raise the possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

'raise the possibility' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to the fact that something might be possible or true, but cannot yet be proved. For example: "The new evidence raises the possibility that the suspect may be innocent."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Such behavior could raise the possibility of a car bomb.

The New York Times

These results raise the possibility that spaceflight could result in decreased resistance to infection in animals.

Advances in Space Research

Lower and increasingly fractionated doses raise the possibility of repair of the damaged follicular population [26].

Surgical Case Reports

A well-evaluated ozone forecast model can raise the possibility of successful ozone control strategy.

Environmental Systems Research

These results raise the possibility of engineering resistance to geminiviruses employing the ribozyme approach.

FEBS Letters

Available clinical data raise the possibility that stress-adaptive mechanisms differ by gender.

Metabolism

But he did raise the possibility of peacekeeping.

Vice

These findings raise the possibility that apoptosis promotes early tumorigenesis.

Cell Death and Disease

Low response rates raise the possibility of non-response bias.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Such low response rates raise the possibility of selection bias.

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

These findings also raise the possibility that NPC offers a clinical model for EMT.

British Journal of Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "raise the possibility" to introduce a potential outcome or explanation, especially when direct evidence is lacking.

Common error

Avoid using "raise the possibility" when the outcome is already highly probable or confirmed; choose a more definitive phrase in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "raise the possibility" functions as a hedge, softening claims and indicating a degree of uncertainty. As shown by Ludwig, it introduces a potential outcome or explanation without asserting it as a certainty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

78%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "raise the possibility" is a versatile phrase used to introduce potential outcomes or explanations, often in contexts where certainty is lacking. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It functions as a hedge, softening claims and prompting further investigation. The examples show its prevalence in scientific and news-related sources. When using the phrase, consider the level of certainty you want to convey and choose more definitive wording if the outcome is already highly probable. Alternatives such as "suggest the possibility", "pose the possibility", and "present the potential" offer nuanced ways to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suggest the possibility

This alternative uses a slightly weaker verb, indicating a less direct presentation of the possibility.

pose the possibility

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the act of presenting a possibility for consideration.

open up the possibility

This alternative highlights the creation of a new opportunity or potential.

present the potential

This focuses on the inherent potential, rather than just suggesting it exists.

indicate the chance

This alternative uses "chance", implying a random element or uncertainty.

hint at the prospect

This alternative suggests a subtle or indirect indication of a future possibility.

allude to the likelihood

Similar to "hint at", this is a more subtle and indirect way of suggesting a possibility.

speculate about the potential

This alternative involves making educated guesses about a future possibility.

entertain the idea

This suggests considering something as a possibility, even if it's not yet likely.

consider the option

This alternative emphasizes the act of thinking about something as a viable choice.

FAQs

How can I use "raise the possibility" in a sentence?

You can use "raise the possibility" to introduce a potential outcome or explanation. For example: "The new data "raise the possibility" that the treatment is effective".

What are some alternatives to "raise the possibility"?

Alternatives include "suggest the possibility", "pose the possibility", or "present the potential", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "raise the possibility" or "increase the possibility"?

"Raise the possibility" introduces a new potential, while "increase the possibility" suggests enhancing an existing one. The choice depends on whether the possibility is newly introduced or already present but less likely.

When is it inappropriate to use "raise the possibility"?

Avoid using "raise the possibility" when the outcome is already highly probable or confirmed. In such cases, a more definitive phrase is more appropriate.