raising the possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

"raising the possibility" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to introduce a suggestion or idea, usually one that there is a chance could be true. For example: "Raising the possibility that the problem could be related to a hardware issue, I ran a series of tests to see what was causing the system error."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Annan went further, raising the possibility of "military action".

The New Yorker

That means liquid water could exist at the surface, raising the possibility for life.

The New York Times - Science

The district has grown increasingly Democratic in recent years, raising the possibility of a competitive race.

The New York Times

Some 27,000 of them represent just one candidate, Yunus Qanooni, raising the possibility of intimidation.

The New York Times

And one of the injured pedestrians died, raising the possibility that the charges would include murder.

The New York Times

But in 1988, that law was changed, raising the possibility of bringing Mondrowitz back to Brooklyn.

The Guardian

Raising the possibility of a devastating Israeli counterattack is one thing.

The New York Times

They lost by 17 points, raising the possibility that the Big Four discussion was premature.

The New York Times

Who likes raising the possibility that one is wrong in one's convictions?

The New Yorker

Four parties entered parliament, raising the possibility of a pluralistic democracy.

The Guardian

Mr. Edwards is now raising the possibility of using the blue slip himself on Judge Boyle.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "raising the possibility" to introduce speculative ideas or potential outcomes, especially when discussing uncertain situations or future scenarios.

Common error

Avoid using "raising the possibility" excessively in passive constructions. Instead, consider active voice to make your writing more direct and engaging. For example, instead of "The study is raising the possibility of…", try "The study suggests the possibility of…".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "raising the possibility" functions as an introductory element to a statement, suggesting a potential outcome, hypothesis, or consideration. It often precedes a clause that elaborates on the possibility being introduced, similar to examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

42%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "raising the possibility" is a versatile phrase used to introduce potential outcomes or hypotheses across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, particularly in Science and News & Media. While similar phrases exist, such as "increasing the possibility", the specific nuance of introducing an idea for consideration is best captured by the original phrase. It's important to avoid overuse in passive constructions to maintain a clear and engaging writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increasing the possibility

This highlights the action of making something more likely to occur.

raising the likelihood

This is very similar but slightly emphasizes the degree of probability.

raising the potential

This alternative emphasizes the inherent capacity for something to develop or occur.

expanding the possibility

This suggests broadening the scope or likelihood of a particular event or outcome.

raising the chance

This alternative focuses on increasing the probability of a specific event happening.

extending the possibility

This implies lengthening or prolonging the duration during which something is possible.

raising the scope

This emphasizes widening the range or extent of something under consideration.

raising the feasibility

This focuses on enhancing the practicality or viability of a certain action or plan.

raising the hypothesis

This refers to proposing a tentative explanation or assumption for further investigation.

raising the risk

This highlights increasing exposure to potential danger or negative consequences.

FAQs

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

You can use "raising the possibility" to introduce a potential outcome or idea that might be true, such as, "The new data is "raising the possibility" of a breakthrough in cancer treatment."

What phrases are similar to "raising the possibility"?

Similar phrases include "increasing the possibility", "suggesting the potential", or "hinting at the chance".

Is it better to say "raising the possibility" or "suggesting the possibility"?

Both "raising the possibility" and "suggesting the possibility" are correct, but "raising" often implies a more active introduction of the idea, while "suggesting" can be more subtle. Choose the one that best fits the tone and context.

What is the difference between "raising the possibility" and "exploring the possibility"?

"Raising the possibility" introduces an idea for consideration, while "exploring the possibility" implies a more thorough investigation or analysis of that idea. Exploring goes further than simply introducing.