seeing possibilities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'seeing possibilities' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to looking ahead and imagining different potential outcomes. For example: She was always looking ahead and seeing possibilities even in the most bleak of situations.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Huffington Post

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

His company isn't alone in seeing possibilities.

The New Yorker

I'm seeing possibilities, and I don't have any hesitance now.

The New York Times

But there are a few who have an extra insight into the game, seeing possibilities that many would reject or never consider.

The New York Times

Finding [artist] Richard Mosse and making that connection had a profound influence on me – seeing possibilities in the kind of hyperrealism of the natural world he found through his art.

The Guardian - Music

"Well, no language, as far as I know, has a single word for that chin-stroking moment you get, often accompanied by a frown on your face, when someone expresses an idea that you've never thought of and you have a moment of suddenly seeing possibilities you never saw before".

The New Yorker

San Bernardino brothers: Selling homes, chasing dreams, seeing possibilities.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Still, she sees possibilities.

The New York Times

But he sees possibilities as well.

Independent

Entrepreneurs who see possibilities in every problem.

The Guardian

He now sees possibilities beyond the streets.

The New York Times

Where some see nature defaced, she sees possibilities.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seeing possibilities" to convey a proactive and optimistic outlook when discussing problem-solving or planning. It emphasizes the ability to identify potential solutions or positive outcomes even in challenging situations.

Common error

Avoid using "seeing possibilities" in overly passive constructions that weaken the impact of the phrase. Instead of saying "Possibilities are being seen", opt for active phrasing like "They are seeing possibilities" to emphasize agency and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "seeing possibilities" is a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It describes the act of perceiving or recognizing potential opportunities or solutions, often in situations where others might not. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Huffington Post

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seeing possibilities" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to describe the act of recognizing potential opportunities or solutions. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It carries a positive connotation and is commonly found in news articles, self-help content, and professional contexts. When using this phrase, aim for active voice constructions to emphasize agency, and be mindful of the multiple potential outcomes it often implies. Its alternatives are phrases like "recognizing potential", "identifying opportunities", or "envisioning potential outcomes".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

identifying opportunities

Emphasizes the act of pinpointing specific chances or openings.

recognizing potential

Focuses on acknowledging the inherent capacity for growth or success.

envisioning potential outcomes

Highlights the mental process of imagining possible results.

perceiving opportunities

Stresses the ability to notice or become aware of available chances.

detecting openings

Suggests a careful search for and discovery of available opportunities.

foreseeing prospects

Implies the ability to anticipate future favorable conditions.

imagining alternatives

Focuses on generating different possible solutions or paths.

assessing prospects

Highlights the act of evaluating potential future success or benefits.

discerning future options

Emphasizes the clarity in understanding available choices.

exploring avenues

Focuses on actively searching for different paths or strategies to achieve a goal.

FAQs

How can I use "seeing possibilities" in a sentence?

You can use "seeing possibilities" to describe someone's ability to recognize potential solutions or opportunities, as in "Entrepreneurs are known for "seeing possibilities" where others see headaches".

What are some alternative phrases for "seeing possibilities"?

Alternatives include "recognizing potential", "identifying opportunities", or "envisioning potential outcomes", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean to "see possibilities"?

To "see possibilities" means to have the capacity to envision potential opportunities, solutions, or positive outcomes in a given situation, often when others may only perceive limitations or challenges.

Is it better to say "seeing possibilities" or "seeing possibility"?

While both are grammatically correct, "seeing possibilities" is generally used to refer to multiple potential outcomes or opportunities, while "seeing possibility" refers to a single instance or a general sense of potential.