slight possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

"slight possibility" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a phrase to describe an occurrence which is not likely or probable, but may still happen. For example: Although there is a slight possibility of rain, I think it is unlikely to interrupt our picnic.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is a very slight possibility, but it is possible".

Independent

"I think it's a slight possibility.

The Guardian - Film

Even though the Mets emphasized that they would not retaliate, they left open a slight possibility that something could happen.

The New York Times - Sports

There is a slight possibility that without this settlement, ratepayers could have had to shoulder some of the costs".

The New York Times

There remains a slight possibility that the Legislature could be called back in December and enact a rescue plan for the authority that included new sources of revenue.

The New York Times

Surani says there is only a slight possibility that grandchildren are affected and that he has seen no evidence in generations beyond that.

The Guardian

By scoring, Jackson and Wilson left open the slight possibility of a comeback: a score, a recovery of an onside kick and another score.

The New York Times

Someone close to Mr. Silver said yesterday that there was only a slight possibility that the mayoral inauguration could be postponed.

The New York Times

Mr. Hesse, who said he's never worked anywhere but on a farm, said there's a very slight possibility of restarting the business.

The New York Times

There is a slight possibility that some Republicans would join with Democrats to pass it, which would be a disaster for Mr. Boehner's leadership.

The New York Times

Moreover, the slight possibility of high blood pressure if too much Naloxone is used is a far lower risk than the certainty of death if none is administered.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slight possibility" to acknowledge a chance, however small, that something might occur. This adds nuance and precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "slight possibility" when you mean something is highly probable. This phrase emphasizes a low chance of occurrence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slight possibility" functions as a noun phrase, serving to identify a low degree of likelihood or chance. It is commonly used to acknowledge that an event could happen, even if it's not probable, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

27%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slight possibility" is a widely used and grammatically sound phrase for expressing a low degree of likelihood. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, notably in News & Media and Scientific domains. When using this phrase, ensure that you are conveying a genuine sense of low probability and that it aligns with the overall tone of your writing. Alternatives like "remote possibility" or "slim chance" can offer nuanced variations, but "slight possibility" remains a versatile choice. Keep in mind that while the occurrence of this phrase is high, it's important to use it accurately to avoid misrepresenting the actual likelihood of an event.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remote possibility

Indicates an even lower chance or likelihood than "slight possibility".

slim chance

Implies a very small likelihood of something happening; more informal.

small chance

A more direct synonym, emphasizing the limited likelihood.

minimal chance

Highlights the extremely reduced probability of an event.

faint hope

Shifts the focus to hope rather than possibility, but still suggests a low probability of a positive outcome.

unlikely prospect

Focuses on the anticipated outcome being improbable.

remote prospect

Focuses on the anticipated outcome being improbable and far off.

scant prospect

Emphasizes that evidence or support for something is limited.

outside chance

Suggests that the possibility exists, but is not very realistic.

bare possibility

Indicates the lowest degree of chance or likelihood of something occurring.

FAQs

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

You can use "slight possibility" to express a low probability of something happening, for example: "There is a "slight possibility" that the game will be canceled due to the weather."

What are some alternatives to "slight possibility"?

Alternatives include "slim chance", "remote possibility", or "unlikely prospect". Choose the alternative that best fits the context and desired nuance.

Is "slight possibility" the same as "good possibility"?

No, "slight possibility" indicates a low chance of something occurring, while "good possibility" implies a higher probability.

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

"Slight possibility" suggests a small chance, whereas "remote possibility" implies an even lower chance, something that is highly unlikely.