tempting possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tempting possibility" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an attractive or appealing option or scenario that may be considered or pursued. Example: "The idea of traveling the world while working remotely presented a tempting possibility that I couldn't ignore."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

And with a five-inch personal-size pie available, in addition to the more traditional nine-inchers, sampling the entire lineup is a tempting possibility.

The New York Times

After Rick Nash, the player most often mentioned as a tempting possibility as Monday's N.H.L. trade deadline draws near is the Los Angeles backup goalie Jonathan Bernier.

The New York Times

The story's form not only promises a stereoscopic account of the mythological monad that is marriage but holds the tempting possibility that the angrier second version might modify the easier first one, forcing it out of untruth with corrective revelation.

The New Yorker

The displays are not being positioned for the consumer market, but a DVI input certainly makes it a tempting possibility.

TechCrunch

The remarkable success of FBA, MOMA and other approaches in estimating metabolic behavior raises the tempting possibility that a truly general objective function may yet be found.

BMC Systems Biology

If this were the case, then a tempting possibility would be that these states of glycolysis could be predicted from measurements of peripheral metabolites that could be excreted into circulation allowing for the possibility of developing serum biomarkers for the status of glycolysis in tumors beyond what can be resolved with positron emission tomography using radioactive glucose.

eLife

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Economists have articulated other tempting possibilities.

The New York Times

Of the many tempting possibilities, the stunning antipasti platter is a must.

The New York Times

He said this could have opened tempting possibilities for cheating.

BBC

Surprisingly, my Europe-oriented trawl of the academic literature took only a few weeks to yield several tempting possibilities.

Science Magazine

Although integrating learning and games provides tempting possibilities, it also contains many challenges, such as different group-specific learning processes despite the scripted environment.

Computers & Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tempting possibility", consider the degree of certainty or likelihood. If the possibility is highly probable, stronger terms like "likely outcome" may be more appropriate. If it's more speculative, "potential scenario" might fit better.

Common error

Avoid using "tempting possibility" when the alternative is already confirmed or highly probable. Using it in such context dilutes the expression's impact and portrays the idea as less solid than it is.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tempting possibility" functions as a noun phrase, where "tempting" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "possibility". It describes a potential scenario or option that is appealing or attractive, as seen in various Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tempting possibility" effectively conveys an attractive and appealing option, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. Grammatically correct and neutrally registered, it's suitable for both formal and informal contexts. While "tempting possibility" is commonly used across News & Media, Science, and Business, it's important to consider the degree of certainty. When the potential is highly probable, consider a stronger term like "likely outcome". Remember, the phrase suggests an option that is worth exploring because it's appealing, but remember to not overstate the likelihood, and reserve the expression to scenarios that are uncertain and not already confirmed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appealing prospect

Focuses on the forward-looking nature and attractiveness of the potential outcome.

enticing opportunity

Highlights the allure and potential benefits associated with the chance or situation.

attractive option

Emphasizes the pleasing or desirable qualities of the choice.

alluring alternative

Suggests a captivating and persuasive different course of action.

inviting scenario

Paints a picture of a welcoming and appealing set of circumstances.

seductive proposition

Implies a strong temptation and persuasive nature of the idea.

promising avenue

Highlights the potential for success and positive outcomes along a particular path.

desirable outcome

Focuses specifically on the favorable result that is hoped for or expected.

intriguing concept

Suggests a captivating and thought-provoking idea worth exploring.

fascinating idea

Emphasizes the captivating and absorbing nature of the thought or plan.

FAQs

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

You can use "tempting possibility" to describe an option that is attractive and worth considering. For example, "The idea of traveling the world while working remotely presented a "tempting possibility" that I couldn't ignore."

What are some alternatives to "tempting possibility"?

Alternatives include "appealing prospect", "enticing opportunity", or "attractive option", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "tempting possibility" formal or informal?

"Tempting possibility" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. Its suitability depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and tone than on the phrase itself.

What's the difference between "tempting possibility" and "likely outcome"?

"Tempting possibility" suggests an attractive but uncertain option, whereas "likely outcome" implies a higher degree of probability. Use "tempting possibility" when discussing potential scenarios that are appealing but not guaranteed, and "likely outcome" when talking about something that is expected to happen.