remains a possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "remains a possibility" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is still a potential outcome, though not necessarily a likely one. For example, "Though the odds are against us, success still remains a possibility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Surgery remains a possibility.

The New York Times - Sports

That remains a possibility.

The Economist

A smash and grab remains a possibility.

The Guardian - Sport

Unlikely, but always remains a possibility".

The New York Times

All that said, more QE this week remains a possibility.

The Guardian - Business

But a broad outbreak remains a possibility, even if remote.

The New York Times

A bankruptcy filing remains a possibility, they said.

The New York Times

A syndicated talk show also remains a possibility.

The New Yorker

Arson remains a possibility, although it had been initially discounted.

The New York Times

(A separate civil suit over money remains a possibility).

The New York Times

At this point, there remains a possibility that Iraq can be disarmed by voluntary means.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "remains a possibility" when you want to acknowledge an outcome without overstating its likelihood. It suggests awareness of a potential event, even if improbable.

Common error

Avoid using "remains a possibility" when the outcome is highly unlikely or purely theoretical, as it can mislead the reader into thinking the event has a reasonable chance of occurring.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remains a possibility" functions as an assertion of potential. It indicates that despite circumstances or evidence to the contrary, a particular outcome has not been entirely eliminated. As Ludwig AI indicates, this expression is commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

45%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "remains a possibility" is a versatile phrase that acknowledges potential outcomes without overstating their likelihood. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse writing styles, from news reports to scientific publications. While generally a reliable choice, it's crucial to avoid using it when the outcome is exceptionally improbable, preventing any misleading implications. Alternatives such as "is still conceivable" or "is not out of the question" can offer subtle nuances to better reflect the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remains a prospect

Replaces "possibility" with "prospect", implying a slightly more concrete or anticipated potential outcome.

is still a potential

Replaces "possibility" with "potential", highlighting inherent capacity for development.

is still conceivable

Uses "conceivable" to denote something that can be imagined or believed, focusing on the mental acceptance of a potential.

is not out of the question

Expresses that something is still within the realm of possibility, using a more indirect and cautious tone.

is within the realm of possibility

Emphasizes the theoretical aspect, putting the event within a broad scope of potentials.

cannot be ruled out

Focuses on the inability to dismiss the chance, emphasizing that the event is still under consideration.

is yet a chance

Highlights the presence of an opportunity, though potentially small, emphasizing the element of chance.

remains on the cards

Emphasizes that something is still being considered or is part of the potential outcomes, using a more idiomatic expression.

has a lingering probability

Stresses that probability exists, and it's somehow weak but still existing.

a chance lingers

Uses "lingers" to suggest that the possibility persists, even if weakly.

FAQs

How can I use "remains a possibility" in a sentence?

You can use "remains a possibility" to express that an outcome is still potential even if not probable. For instance, "Although the negotiations are difficult, a peaceful resolution "remains a possibility"."

What are some alternatives to "remains a possibility"?

Alternatives include "is still conceivable", "is not out of the question", or "is still a potential", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "there is still a possibility" or "remains a possibility"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and largely interchangeable. "Remains a possibility" may sound slightly more formal or emphatic than "there is still a possibility".

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "remains a possibility"?

It's best to avoid using "remains a possibility" if the likelihood of the event is so remote that it's misleading to suggest it's a genuine consideration. In such cases, phrases like "highly improbable" or "virtually impossible" might be more accurate.