remote prospect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "remote prospect" is correct and usable in written English.
It means a possibility that is distant or unlikely to happen. One can use "remote prospect" to describe a potential opportunity or outcome that is not very likely to occur. For example: - The chances of winning the lottery are a remote prospect, but people still buy tickets every week. - The company is considering expanding into a new market, but it is still just a remote prospect at this point. - Despite their hard work, success seemed like a remote prospect for the struggling team. - The artist's dream of exhibiting at a renowned gallery was once a remote prospect, but now it has become a reality.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it can seem a remote prospect.

The Economist

But that now seems a remote prospect.

The New York Times

But redemptive victory is still a remote prospect.

The New York Times - Sports

This is a remote prospect at the moment.

The Guardian

Six repeats and the once remote prospect of title No19 will be a reality.

The Guardian - Sport

Production costs at that level would make profitability a remote prospect.

The Guardian - Film

Given the latest data from the US, China, Japan and Germany that looks a remote prospect.

The Guardian - Business

With A.I. seeming like a remote prospect, the researchers declared, attention was better spent on near-term concerns.

The New Yorker

As consumer-price inflation was still 4.1% in the year to November, deflation might seem a remote prospect.

The Economist

Few expect the A400M to be scrapped, but any profit for Airbus is also a remote prospect.

The Economist

Clearly, there is a long way to go and impeachment remains a remote prospect in a Republican controlled House.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "remote prospect" to temper expectations, especially when discussing future outcomes that are hoped for but improbable.

Common error

Avoid using "remote prospect" when a situation has a reasonable chance of occurring. This phrase is best reserved for truly unlikely scenarios to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remote prospect" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig shows that it modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating a possibility that is distant or unlikely.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "remote prospect" is a noun phrase used to describe a possibility that is unlikely or distant. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is grammatically correct and sees frequent use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. Its function is to express doubt about the likelihood of an outcome, which affects tone depending on usage. If you need similar phrases, consider "slim chance" or "unlikely possibility". When using "remote prospect", ensure you are not overstating the unlikelihood of the event to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slim chance

Focuses on the smallness of the chance, emphasizing minimal likelihood.

unlikely possibility

Highlights the improbability of the possibility, making it less affirmative.

distant possibility

Emphasizes the remoteness of the possibility, both in likelihood and perhaps in time.

improbable scenario

Shifts focus to the unlikelihood of a particular sequence of events.

outside chance

Indicates the chance exists but is not favored.

long shot

Suggests a gamble where success is very doubtful.

far-fetched idea

Implies the idea is unrealistic or difficult to believe.

negligible likelihood

Stresses the insignificance of the likelihood.

tenuous hope

Conveys a weak and uncertain basis for hope.

minimal expectation

Highlights the very low level of anticipation or expectancy.

FAQs

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

You can use "remote prospect" to describe something that is unlikely to happen. For instance, "Winning the lottery is a "remote prospect" for most people".

What's a good alternative to "remote prospect"?

Alternatives include "slim chance", "unlikely possibility", or "distant possibility". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "remote prospect" in formal writing?

Yes, "remote prospect" is suitable for formal writing, as it is a standard and well-understood expression for indicating low probability. Ludwig AI shows it appears in publications such as The Economist, The Guardian and The New York Times.

How does "remote prospect" differ from "unlikely event"?

"Remote prospect" emphasizes that something is unlikely to occur and might also be far off in time, while "unlikely event" simply highlights the improbability of something happening. Consider the additional meaning you want to convey when choosing between the two.