strong possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

"strong possibility" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is likely to happen or that something is likely to be true. For example, "There is a strong possibility that it may rain tonight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"A strong possibility".

The New Yorker

Season-ending surgery remains a strong possibility.

The New York Times - Sports

Drowning was also a strong possibility.

Independent

At present, starving looks a strong possibility.

The Economist

Humiliation looked a strong possibility.

The Guardian - Sport

That is a very, very strong possibility.

The Washington Post

Given its starting advantages, this is still a strong possibility.

The Guardian - Opinion

He hung up thinking the Jets presented "a strong possibility".

The New York Times - Sports

I don't see that as a very strong possibility".

The New York Times

One strong possibility is a new media entity.

The Washington Post

Willemin: We lost the strong possibility clause there.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "strong possibility" when you want to convey a significant chance of something happening, but without asserting absolute certainty. It's suitable for situations where evidence suggests a high likelihood, but other outcomes are still conceivable.

Common error

Avoid using "strong possibility" when you actually have definitive proof or evidence. In such cases, stating the fact directly is more accurate and impactful. "Strong possibility" implies some level of uncertainty, so it's inappropriate when certainty exists.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strong possibility" functions as a noun phrase complement, often following verbs like "is", "seems", or "remains". It serves to qualify a statement, indicating a significant likelihood of a particular outcome or event. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

14%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "strong possibility" is a versatile phrase used to express a significant likelihood of an event or outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely accepted in written English. Its frequency across news, academic, and scientific sources highlights its broad applicability. While alternatives like "high probability" or "real prospect" may offer similar meanings, "strong possibility" strikes a balance between caution and confidence. When using this phrase, be mindful of overstating certainty and ensure it aligns with the evidence at hand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

high probability

Emphasizes the statistical likelihood of an event occurring, rather than its potential.

distinct possibility

Highlights the clarity and definition of the possibility, suggesting it is easily recognized.

real prospect

Focuses on the potential outcome or future event that could realistically happen.

serious chance

Underscores the importance and weight of the opportunity or risk involved.

likely scenario

Presents the possibility as a plausible sequence of events that could unfold.

good bet

Suggests that the possibility is a safe or reliable prediction, similar to placing a confident wager.

credible potential

Highlights the believability and inherent capacity for something to develop or succeed.

substantial likelihood

Indicates a considerable degree of certainty that something will occur, emphasizing the magnitude of likelihood.

realistic expectation

Frames the possibility as something that is reasonable and grounded in reality.

viable option

Focuses on the practicality and feasibility of the possibility as a course of action.

FAQs

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

You can use "strong possibility" to indicate that something is likely to occur. For example, "There is a "strong possibility" that the meeting will be canceled due to the storm".

What phrases are similar to "strong possibility"?

Alternatives to "strong possibility" include "high probability", "distinct possibility", or "real prospect", depending on the context.

Is "strong possibility" formal or informal?

"Strong possibility" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its usage depends more on the overall tone of your writing rather than the specific setting.

What's the difference between "strong possibility" and "possibility"?

While both phrases indicate that something could happen, "strong possibility" implies a higher degree of likelihood compared to simply "possibility". It suggests a greater chance of the event occurring.