remote possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "remote possibility" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or event that is highly unlikely to occur. Example: "There is a remote possibility that we might encounter a snowstorm in April, but it's very rare."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Laughter seemed a remote possibility.

The New York Times

That is not such a remote possibility.

The Economist

The remote possibility of miscarriage?

The New York Times

Lung cancer was also a remote possibility.

The New York Times - Magazine

The fairway was never a remote possibility.

The New York Times - Sports

Today's remote possibility becomes tomorrow's imminent danger.

Independent

But for now those moves remain a remote possibility.

The New York Times

QUESTION FROM DOUG: Is default even now a remote possibility?

The New Yorker

Usually even the remote possibility is enough to cause outcry.

The Guardian

Another, more remote, possibility is a popular uprising.

The Economist

But the text suggests that this is a remote possibility.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "remote possibility", clarify the factors that make the possibility unlikely to avoid confusion. For example, specify "a remote possibility due to budget constraints".

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the phrase "remote possibility". If something is extremely unlikely, do not present it as if it has a reasonable chance of occurring.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remote possibility" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a situation or event with a low probability of occurring. Ludwig confirms the correct usage of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "remote possibility" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe events that are unlikely to occur. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as a noun phrase expressing doubt or uncertainty. While suitable for various contexts, it frequently appears in news and media. When using this phrase, clarify the factors contributing to its unlikelihood. Consider alternatives like "slim chance" or "unlikely event" for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slim chance

Emphasizes the low probability of something happening.

slight chance

Similar to "slim chance", but may suggest a slightly higher probability.

unlikely event

Focuses on the event itself being improbable.

outside chance

Suggests the possibility exists, but is very unlikely.

distant prospect

Implies the possibility is far off and not very realistic.

negligible probability

More formal and emphasizes the extremely low probability.

improbable scenario

Highlights the unlikelihood of a particular sequence of events.

faint hope

Highlights the emotional aspect of wanting something unlikely to happen.

long shot

An informal way of saying something is unlikely to succeed.

pipe dream

Suggests something is unrealistic and unlikely to ever happen.

FAQs

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

Use "remote possibility" to describe events that are unlikely to happen. For example, "There is a "remote possibility" of rain tomorrow, but the forecast is clear".

What can I say instead of "remote possibility"?

You can use alternatives like "slim chance", "slight chance", or "unlikely event" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a very remote possibility"?

Yes, it is correct. Adding "very" emphasizes the low probability. It's similar to saying there is an extremely low chance of something happening.

What's the difference between "remote possibility" and "distant possibility"?

"Remote possibility" generally refers to something unlikely. "Distant possibility" can imply both unlikelihood and that the event is far off in the future.