serious possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serious possibility" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a strong likelihood or chance of something happening or being true. Example: "There is a serious possibility that the company will go bankrupt if they don't cut costs immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We know this is a serious possibility".

The New York Times - Science

And now it's a serious possibility".

The Guardian

On Wednesday, Levitt warned about this as a serious possibility.

The New Yorker

Back-to-back relegation is a serious possibility.

The Guardian - Sport

So I didn't consider him a serious possibility.

Independent

For another, there would be a serious possibility of defeat.

Independent

What they said was that this was a serious possibility we needed to be aware of.

The New York Times

But, this being the Germans, it never looked a serious possibility.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr Lieberman said the timing of the memo raises the serious possibility of obstruction of justice.

The Guardian - Business

The serious possibility of an NY derby in the Eastern conference finals.

The Guardian - Sport

This farcical scenario is laughable had it not become a serious possibility.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "serious possibility", ensure that the context provides sufficient evidence or reasoning to support the claim. Avoid using it speculatively without a basis.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "serious possibility" as a certainty. Always maintain a level of uncertainty unless there is definitive proof.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serious possibility" functions as a noun phrase that emphasizes the credible and substantial nature of a potential outcome or event. As Ludwig highlights, its usage indicates more than just a mere chance; it suggests a notable degree of likelihood.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "serious possibility" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase signifying a substantial likelihood of an event. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalent use in diverse contexts, including news, science, and formal communication. While alternatives like "distinct possibility" and "strong likelihood" exist, "serious possibility" effectively conveys a significant chance of occurrence. Remember to use this phrase when there is credible reasoning. Its widespread usage across authoritative sources highlights its reliability and versatility in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distinct possibility

Emphasizes the clarity and definition of the possibility.

real prospect

Highlights the potential for something to happen or become true.

strong likelihood

Focuses on the high probability of an event.

genuine chance

Suggests an authentic and credible opportunity.

credible scenario

Presents the possibility as a believable and plausible situation.

significant potential

Indicates a notable degree of capacity for something to develop.

realistic expectation

Frames the possibility as something reasonable to anticipate.

conceivable eventuality

Emphasizes that the possibility is within the realm of what can be imagined or foreseen.

legitimate anticipation

Highlights the validity and justification for expecting something.

bona fide opportunity

Stresses that the opportunity is authentic and in good faith.

FAQs

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

You can use "serious possibility" to indicate a high likelihood of something occurring. For example, "There is a "serious possibility" that the game will be cancelled due to the weather".

What are some alternatives to saying "serious possibility"?

Alternatives include "distinct possibility", "real prospect", or "strong likelihood", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "serious possibility" or "strong likelihood"?

"Strong likelihood" is slightly more formal than "serious possibility", but both are appropriate for most professional contexts. Consider your audience when choosing between them.

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

"Serious possibility" suggests a significant chance of something happening, while "remote possibility" indicates that the chance is very low. They are near antonyms.