small possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

"small possibility" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a slim chance or likelihood of something happening. Example: There is a small possibility that it will rain tomorrow, so I will bring an umbrella just in case.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is a small possibility [of him playing against Chelsea].

The Times

Maybe it's a small chance, a small possibility.

The New York Times

"Nowadays, that's a very, very small possibility," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

That worst-case scenario, as industry officials refer to it, is a small possibility.

The New York Times

There's always the (small?) possibility of a statement from the Monetary Policy Committee.

The Guardian - Business

"There is a small possibility that something still survived," Fatima's father said.

Independent

But he reckons that there is a small possibility his team has discovered something important.

The Economist

There's a small possibility, in other words, that that proposal would cost charities more than it earned the government.

The Washington Post

The small possibility of a last 16 clash with Ukraine would also be a potential nightmare for tournament organisers.

The Guardian - Sport

Still, patients will need to be monitored for liver cancer, a small possibility that has been observed in mice.

The New York Times - Health

No one has been dropped and there is only a small possibility of any change to the final XI.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "small possibility", clearly state the conditions or factors that make the possibility small to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "small possibility" when there is no actual chance of the event occurring. Using it in such contexts can mislead the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small possibility" functions as a noun phrase that quantifies the likelihood of an event or outcome. It serves to indicate that the chance of something happening is minimal but not entirely absent. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

39%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "small possibility" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a low likelihood of something occurring. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science sources, the phrase serves to convey uncertainty and manage expectations. While versatile, more formal settings might favor "low probability". Understanding its contextual nuances is crucial for effective communication, and considering alternatives like "slight chance" or "remote possibility" can enhance your writing. By adhering to best practices and avoiding common errors, you can use "small possibility" effectively and accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slight chance

Emphasizes the slim chance of something happening.

slim chance

Similar to "slight chance", focuses on the smallness of the likelihood.

remote possibility

Highlights how unlikely the event is.

low probability

Uses more formal, statistical terminology.

minimal likelihood

Stresses the limited extent of the possibility.

unlikely prospect

Indicates that the event is not expected to happen.

outside chance

Suggests the event is unlikely but not impossible.

tenuous possibility

Implies the possibility is fragile or weak.

mere chance

Highlights the insignificance of the possibility.

faint hope

Emphasizes the emotional aspect of a small chance.

FAQs

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

You can use "small possibility" to express that something is unlikely to happen. For example, "There is a "small possibility" that the meeting will be cancelled due to weather conditions".

What phrases are similar to "small possibility"?

Similar phrases include "slight chance", "remote possibility", and "slim chance". These all suggest a low likelihood of something occurring.

Is it better to use "small possibility" or "low probability"?

The choice between "small possibility" and "low probability" depends on the context. "Small possibility" is more informal and general, while "low probability" is more formal and often used in statistical or scientific contexts.

Can "small possibility" be used in both formal and informal writing?

"Small possibility" is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal writing, although more formal alternatives like "low probability" might be preferred in highly formal settings.