the possibility exists

USAGE SUMMARY

"the possibility exists" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to convey the idea that something is possible or could happen. Example: The possibility exists that the company may experience a decline in profits if they do not adapt to changing market trends.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The possibility exists that the mycobacteria that cause significant interference with current diagnostic tests are unculturable.

BMC Veterinary Research

I think the possibility exists".

The Guardian

"The possibility exists," she said.

The New York Times

This year the possibility exists for a World Series reunion.

The New York Times - Sports

The possibility exists to explore with other people.

Independent

The possibility exists that SARS could be transmitted through human urine, Dr. Heymann said.

The New York Times

If the possibility exists to create your own questions, use it.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The possibility exists that it could be somebody impersonating a cop," he said.

The New York Times

The possibility exists that the democratic movement will be suppressed by force.

The New York Times

Sleepwalking becomes dangerous only when the possibility exists of the sleepwalker's accidentally injuring himself or herself.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The possibility exists that the SARS virus mutated if it jumped species, from animals to humans, Dr. Stöhr said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the possibility exists" when you want to express a chance or potential outcome without stating it as a certainty. This is useful when discussing hypothetical situations or future events.

Common error

Avoid using "the possibility exists" when the outcome is highly probable or already confirmed. A stronger statement would be more appropriate in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the possibility exists" functions as an existential clause introducing a potential or hypothetical scenario. It acknowledges that a certain outcome or event is within the realm of possibility. Ludwig AI confirms this is a grammatically sound phrase. For instance, "The possibility exists that SARS could be transmitted through human urine."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the possibility exists" is a grammatically correct phrase widely used to express that something is possible without stating it as a certainty. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical soundness. It's most commonly found in scientific and news-related contexts and serves to introduce caution or contingency in discussions. When using this phrase, ensure that the level of likelihood aligns with the context and avoid using it when the outcome is already confirmed or highly probable. Alternatives such as "there is a chance" or "it is possible" can be used depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is possible

This alternative is a more concise and direct way of stating that something is achievable or can happen.

there is a chance

This option highlights the element of chance or uncertainty associated with an event.

a chance exists

This option emphasizes the chance, rather than the possibility.

it could happen

This alternative conveys a sense of potential occurrence, focusing on the action itself.

it is conceivable

This option suggests that something is imaginable or believable, even if unlikely.

the potential is there

This alternative emphasizes the presence of untapped possibility or capacity.

the option is available

This option focuses on the availability of a specific choice or course of action.

it's not out of the question

This option implies that something is still within the realm of possibility, even if improbable.

that may be

This alternative expresses uncertainty or acknowledgement of a possibility, often with reservation.

there remains the opportunity

This option emphasizes that the possibility has not disappeared yet.

FAQs

How can I use "the possibility exists" in a sentence?

You can use "the possibility exists" to introduce a potential outcome or situation, such as "the possibility exists that the project may face delays due to unforeseen circumstances".

What phrases are similar to "the possibility exists"?

Similar phrases include "there is a chance", "it is possible", or "it could happen", which all convey a sense of potential or likelihood.

Is it better to say "the possibility exists" or "the possibility exist"?

"The possibility exists" is grammatically correct because "possibility" is singular and requires the singular verb "exists". "The possibility exist" is incorrect.

What is the level of formality when using "the possibility exists"?

The phrase "the possibility exists" is generally considered neutral to formal and can be used in a variety of contexts, from news reports to scientific articles. However, in very informal settings, phrases like "it could happen" might be preferred.