the prospect that

USAGE SUMMARY

"the prospect that" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a potential situation or outcome, especially one that may be seen as hopeful. For example: "The prospect that the economy could soon improve is a cause for optimism."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's the prospect that has so energized Ms. Anderson.

The New York Times - Arts

That is the prospect that caused Tuesday's market euphoria.

The Guardian - Business

Pity the prospect that peaks too soon.

The New York Times

The prospect that the ceremony might be postponed upsets us.

The New York Times

As the 1864 election approached, the prospect that Pres.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This is the prospect that should worry Americans.

The Guardian - Opinion

It raised the prospect that other women might.

The New York Times

Investors applauded the prospect that margin pressure was finally easing.

The New York Times - Tech

It has also raised the prospect that they could succeed in reshaping the bill.

The New York Times

What you're hearing about is the prospect that these could be abused.

The New York Times

Consumer spending has accelerated, raising the prospect that firms will need extra capacity.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "the prospect that" with strong verbs to create impactful sentences. For example: "The prospect that innovation could revolutionize the industry excited investors."

Common error

Avoid using "the prospect that" repeatedly within a short passage. This can make your writing sound monotonous. Instead, vary your phrasing with synonyms like "the possibility that" or "the likelihood that".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the prospect that" functions as a noun phrase introducing a subordinate clause. It presents a situation or event that is being considered or anticipated. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted and used in writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the prospect that" is a versatile phrase used to introduce potential future events or outcomes. It functions as a noun phrase followed by a clause, serving to frame discussions around possibilities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is considered grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and formal settings. While synonyms like "the possibility that" and "the likelihood that" offer alternatives, understanding the subtle nuances of each phrase ensures precise and effective communication. Keep in mind the advice provided about avoiding overuse in close proximity and you'll be fine.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the possibility that

Highlights the chance of something occurring, emphasizing its potential rather than its likelihood.

the chance that

Stresses the element of fortuity or randomness in a potential event.

the likelihood that

Focuses on the probability of something happening, rather than the anticipation or possibility.

the expectation that

Emphasizes a belief that something will happen, differing from a mere consideration of possibility.

the anticipation that

Conveys a sense of looking forward to something, adding an emotional dimension not present in the original phrase.

the hope that

Indicates a desire for something to happen, introducing an element of wishful thinking.

the fear that

Expresses apprehension about a potential outcome, contrasting with the more neutral tone of "the prospect that".

the outlook that

Refers to a general view of the future, differing from a specific potential event.

the vision that

Suggests a mental image of the future, emphasizing imagination and foresight.

the idea that

Focuses on a concept or belief, rather than a future event or possibility.

FAQs

How can I use "the prospect that" in a sentence?

Use "the prospect that" to introduce a potential future event or outcome. For example, "The prospect that new technologies will improve healthcare is encouraging".

What are some alternatives to "the prospect that"?

You can use alternatives such as "the possibility that", "the likelihood that", or "the expectation that" to vary your language.

Is it always appropriate to use "the prospect that"?

While generally acceptable, "the prospect that" is best suited for formal or neutral contexts. In very informal settings, simpler phrasing might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "the prospect that" and "the potential that"?

"The prospect that" often implies a slightly more concrete possibility or expectation, while "the potential that" focuses more on the inherent capacity for something to occur.