recognize the possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

"recognize the possibility" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that you know that something is a possibility, or that you should consider a possibility. For example, "We need to recognize the possibility that the deadline will not be met on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We agree that this is possible; we also recognize the possibility that chronic pollution exposure could heighten responses to subsequent stressors.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Officials continue to refer to the minaret as possibly a "victory tower" and refuse to recognize the possibility that the Ghorid capital has been found and is being destroyed.

The New York Times - Magazine

To recognize the possibility of such meaning in one's own life is to experience transformation, he said.

The New York Times

"We recognize the possibility of demonstrations and protests and we're confident that the joint security team has the plans in place to deal with potential situations".

The New York Times

The report reveals new details about the night of the attack and concludes that the Obama administration failed to recognize the possibility of it happening.

The Guardian

Researchers funded by Coca-Cola need to take special care to control for unconscious biases but can only do this if they recognize the possibility.

The Guardian - Opinion

It does, however, involve taking care that you recognize the possibility that your commitments might not be based as much upon reason as on unacknowledged emotions and desires.

The New York Times

"Why refuse to recognize the possibility that contemporary music has reached a stage long since attained by other forms of activity?" Mr. Babbitt wrote.

The New York Times

Pink buttercream roses are a birthright, for heaven's sake, and internists and hedge fund managers should recognize the possibility that someone else knows how to do something even better than they do.

The New York Times

Yet I think that most of us I, and the "hypocrite spectateur, mon semblable, mon frère"—could easily recognize the possibility of being on the wrong side of history.

The New Yorker

But in a year when precedent was established to suspend athletes without a failed drug test, as in the Balco-related cases of Montgomery and Gaines, we should also recognize the possibility of the pendulum swinging too far.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "recognize the possibility", ensure you follow it with a clear articulation of what that possibility entails to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid presenting a possibility as a certainty. Using "recognize the possibility" implies awareness of something that might occur, not a guaranteed outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "recognize the possibility" functions as a verb phrase, where 'recognize' is the verb and 'the possibility' is the direct object. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it correctly expresses acknowledgment or awareness of a potential outcome or situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

39%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "recognize the possibility" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to introduce potential outcomes or contingencies into discussions across various domains. Predominantly found in scientific and news-related sources, this phrase maintains a neutral to formal tone. For alternative phrasing, consider options such as "recognize the probability" or "ascertain the possibility". Remember to use the phrase accurately, acknowledging potential without overstating certainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

recognize the probability

Replaces 'possibility' with 'probability', suggesting a higher likelihood than mere possibility.

recognize the likelihood

Similar to 'recognize the probability', but 'likelihood' implies a slightly less formal assessment of chance.

ascertain the possibility

Focuses on actively determining if something is possible, adding a layer of investigation.

establish the possibility

Emphasizes proving or confirming that something is indeed possible.

recognize the feasibility

Shifts the focus to whether something is practical and achievable, rather than just possible.

discover the possibility

Suggests that the possibility was previously unknown and is now being revealed.

accommodate the possibility

Focuses on making provisions or plans for something that might happen.

grasp the possibility

Implies a clearer understanding of something that may occur.

recognize the risk

Changes the focus from potential to potential negative outcomes or dangers.

recognize the potential

Shifts the emphasis to the inherent capacity or untapped ability of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "recognize the possibility" to express awareness or acknowledgement of a potential outcome or situation. For example, "We must "recognize the possibility" that the project may face delays".

What are some alternatives to "recognize the possibility"?

Alternatives include "recognize the probability", "ascertain the possibility", or "consider the option", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "recognize the possibility" or "acknowledge the possibility"?

"Recognize" and "acknowledge" are largely interchangeable in this context. The choice depends on stylistic preference, though "recognize" may subtly imply a more active consideration of the potential.

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

It would be inappropriate to use "recognize the possibility" when the outcome is already certain or guaranteed. The phrase implies uncertainty and potential, not established fact.