theoretical possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "theoretical possibility" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that could happen in theory, even if it may not be practical or likely in reality. Example: "While it is a theoretical possibility that time travel could exist, there is currently no scientific evidence to support it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This is something of a theoretical possibility, but is at least technically possible from the data collected.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is not a merely theoretical possibility.

The Economist

This is not just a theoretical possibility.

The New York Times

This is no mere theoretical possibility.

The Guardian - Tech

Modifying human heredity has always been a theoretical possibility.

MIT Technology Review

And so there's the theoretical possibility for negative variance.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Here, the court would rely on the theoretical possibility of a no vote.

The New York Times

Most observers say a death sentence is very likely, though life imprisonment remains a theoretical possibility.

The Guardian

For some countries this is no longer merely a theoretical possibility.

The Guardian

We were talking about the theoretical possibility if it fell into place.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

There seems to be a non-theoretical possibility that we will run out of the stuff if we're not careful.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "theoretical possibility" when you want to acknowledge that something could happen or exist in theory, even if it is unlikely or unproven in practice. It's useful in scientific discussions, speculative scenarios, or when considering various options.

Common error

Avoid using "theoretical possibility" when you actually mean something is likely or probable. If there is concrete evidence or a high chance of something occurring, choose stronger language that reflects the reality of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "theoretical possibility" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes something that could happen or exist based on theory, whether or not it's likely in practice. Ludwig provides numerous examples across diverse contexts where this phrase is employed to introduce hypothetical scenarios or to explore speculative ideas.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

9%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "theoretical possibility" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase employed to describe scenarios that could exist in theory, regardless of their likelihood in practice. Ludwig's examples showcase its common usage across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academic writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable. Remember to use this phrase when acknowledging a potential outcome that isn't necessarily probable. Be cautious not to substitute it for situations with a higher chance of occurring.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hypothetical scenario

Focuses more on a specific situation that is assumed for the sake of argument or exploration.

potential outcome

Emphasizes the result that could occur, rather than the likelihood or basis for it.

conceivable event

Suggests that something can be imagined or believed, but doesn't necessarily mean it's probable.

plausible scenario

Indicates a situation that appears reasonable or believable, but not definitively proven.

imaginable situation

Highlights the capacity to envision something, without addressing its practicality or realism.

speculative hypothesis

Emphasizes the conjectural nature of an explanation, often lacking strong evidence.

conceptual possibility

Focuses on the idea or concept of something being possible, rather than its real-world likelihood.

workable proposition

Suggests a plan or idea that could be implemented successfully, though not guaranteed.

future contingency

Highlights an event that may or may not occur in the future, requiring preparation or planning.

bare possibility

Emphasizes that the chances are very low.

FAQs

How to use "theoretical possibility" in a sentence?

Use "theoretical possibility" to describe scenarios that could occur in principle, even if unlikely in practice. For example: "While time travel remains a "theoretical possibility", no concrete evidence supports its existence."

What can I say instead of "theoretical possibility"?

You can use alternatives like "hypothetical scenario", "potential outcome", or "conceivable event" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "theoretical possibility" or "practical possibility"?

"Theoretical possibility" refers to something that is possible in theory but may not be realistic. "Practical possibility" refers to something that is both possible and feasible in a real-world context. Choose the phrase that best reflects the situation you are describing.

What's the difference between "theoretical possibility" and "remote possibility"?

"Theoretical possibility" indicates something is possible in theory, regardless of its likelihood. "Remote possibility" suggests something is possible but very unlikely to occur.