the possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

"the possibility" can be used in written English.
It is typically used in the context of a situation that could potentially happen, one that is not certain, but conceivable. Example: "I considered the possibility of changing my major, but ultimately decided to stay with my current field of study."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Is the possibility there?

The New Yorker

"We have the possibility.

The New York Times - Sports

The possibility of the merger?

The New York Times - Arts

Hence the possibility for hope.

The New Yorker

Say's Law denied the possibility.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The possibility raised new questions.

The New York Times

Don't rule out the possibility.

The New York Times - Arts

Or the possibility of one.

The New Yorker

The possibility that non-U.N.

The New York Times

The possibility of gridlock looms.

The New York Times

Indeed, the possibility horrifies him.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the possibility", consider the level of certainty you want to convey. If you want to emphasize a higher likelihood, use alternatives like "the likelihood" or "the probability".

Common error

Avoid using "the possibility" when a more specific term like "the probability" or "the potential" would provide greater clarity and impact. Vague language can weaken your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the possibility" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes the state or quality of being possible, referring to something that may occur or exist, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

22%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the possibility" is a versatile noun phrase used to indicate something that is capable of happening or existing. As indicated by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and common in a broad spectrum of writing, from news reports and scientific articles to general discussions. While widely applicable, it's important to consider alternative phrases like "the potential", "the likelihood", or "the chance" to more precisely convey the intended degree of certainty or emphasis. Being aware of these subtle differences enhances clarity and strengthens the impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the potential

Focuses on inherent capacity for development or success, rather than just something being possible.

the chance

Emphasizes the element of luck or randomness involved.

the likelihood

Highlights the probability of something occurring.

the prospect

Suggests a future-oriented view, often with anticipation.

the option

Focuses on the availability of a choice or alternative.

the feasibility

Emphasizes the practicality and ability to be done successfully.

the probability

Specifically refers to a statistical measure of likelihood.

the scope

Indicates the extent or range within which something is possible.

the eventuality

Highlights something that may occur in the future.

the opportunity

Focuses on a favorable set of circumstances that makes something possible.

FAQs

How to use "the possibility" in a sentence?

You can use "the possibility" to refer to a potential event or outcome, as in "There is "the possibility of rain" tomorrow" or "We must consider "the possibility that" our assumptions are incorrect".

What can I say instead of "the possibility"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "the potential", "the likelihood", or "the chance". Each of these alternatives emphasizes a slightly different aspect of the situation.

Which is correct, "the possibility exists" or "a possibility exists"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they convey different meanings. "The possibility exists" refers to a specific possibility that has already been mentioned or is understood. "A possibility exists" introduces a new, unspecified possibility.

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

"The possibility" refers to something that could happen or be true, while "the potential" refers to the inherent capacity for growth, development, or success. While similar, "the potential" emphasizes inherent qualities, while "the possibility" focuses on whether something might occur.