slim possibilities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slim possibilities" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is a very low chance of something happening or being true. Example: "Given the current circumstances, there are slim possibilities of the event being rescheduled."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But let's peer into the crystal ball and consider a series of admittedly slim possibilities.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The outcome was frustratingly incremental, but it keeps alive the slim possibility of a diplomatic solution.

The New York Times

We had a very slim possibility of surviving, and we did and here we are".

The New York Times - Sports

If the clinics focus on the slim possibility of success, then so do the women themselves.

The Guardian - Books

But that was (and remains) a threat; a slim possibility, should geopolitics spiral out of control.

The Guardian

Scientists here said there was a slim possibility that Ranger-4 would hit the moon Thursday morning.

The New York Times

Small fires were still burning, though firefighters said there was a slim possibility falling debris could have protected some artworks.

The Guardian

He even left open the slim possibility of playing Thursday in the series finale against the Expos.

The New York Times - Sports

There was still a slim possibility that Rodriguez would accept a last-minute deal for a lesser suspension, perhaps for 150 games, without an appeal.

The New York Times - Sports

One (slim) possibility is Mr Gates's old rival, Larry Ellison, the boss of Oracle, who has often been accused of tightfistedness.

The Economist

Putting aside that such a scenario is a slim possibility, even if it did happen, it wouldn't actually a direct threat to the United States.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slim possibilities" to convey a sense of realism and manage expectations. It's suitable when acknowledging a potential outcome, however unlikely.

Common error

Avoid using "slim possibilities" when you intend to express a higher degree of certainty or likelihood. Reserve it for situations where the chance of occurrence is genuinely low.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slim possibilities" functions as a noun phrase where "slim" is an adjective modifying the noun "possibilities". Ludwig AI confirms it describes situations with a low chance of occurring. Examples show it qualifies the degree of probability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Sports

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slim possibilities" is a commonly used phrase that indicates a low probability of something happening. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, to convey a realistic assessment of chances. While the phrase is well-established, it's essential to use it accurately, ensuring it reflects a genuinely low probability and not a situation where a higher degree of certainty is implied. Alternatives like "remote chances" or "slight prospects" can be used for a nuanced expression of similar concepts. Overall, "slim possibilities" serves as a valuable tool in managing expectations and expressing realism in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remote chances

Emphasizes the unlikelihood and distance of the possibility.

slight prospects

Highlights the minimal potential for something to occur.

meager likelihood

Underscores the small amount of probability.

unlikely scenarios

Focuses on the improbability of the situation.

tenuous prospects

Highlights the weak and fragile nature of the possibilities.

minimal opportunities

Focuses on the scarcity of chances.

reduced likelihood

Indicates a diminished chance of something happening.

limited potential

Stresses the restricted capacity for success or development.

small probability

Quantifies the low chance of an event occurring.

faint hope

Highlights the weakness and uncertainty of the expectation.

FAQs

How to use "slim possibilities" in a sentence?

"Slim possibilities" is used to indicate that there is a small chance of something happening. For example, "Despite the challenges, there are "slim possibilities" that the project will succeed".

What can I say instead of "slim possibilities"?

You can use alternatives like "remote chances", "slight prospects", or "meager likelihood" to convey a similar meaning depending on the context.

Which is correct, "slim possibilities" or "slight possibilities"?

Both "slim possibilities" and "slight possibilities" are correct and convey a similar meaning, indicating a small chance or likelihood. The choice between them often depends on stylistic preference.

What's the difference between "slim possibilities" and "narrow possibilities"?

"Slim possibilities" refers to the low probability of something happening, while "narrow possibilities" suggests that the range of potential outcomes is limited. Although they can overlap, "slim" focuses on chance, and "narrow" focuses on scope.