this may be a possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this may be a possibility" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing potential outcomes or options that could occur in a given situation. Example: "While we have several strategies to consider, this may be a possibility that we should explore further."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

This may be a possibility.

Pastoralism: Research, Policy and Practice

When questioned whether iFood would follow the footsteps of Nubank - another well-funded startup who has attracted a Chinese mobile giant, Tencent, as a strategic backer - Bloisi did not deny this may be a possibility.

Forbes

The CESS report noted that while this may be a possibility, it is quite improbable.

Wikipedia

Depending on the answers to the preceding questions, this may be a possibility.

Aging

This may be a possibility because it has been shown that disorganized spatial relationships resulting from nerve section can be overcome to restore sensory function, particularly in regions of high functional importance such as the hand and fingers (Dykes et al., 1979; Johansson and Vallbo, 1979 a ; Duncan and Boynton, 2007).

Brain

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

This suggests that there may be a possibility of monitoring and predicting the outcome of healing using blood samples.

Acta Orthopaedica

Among healthy controls (PSA levels <4 ng ml−1), higher serum PSA levels were statistically significantly associated with AA genotype when all ethnic groups were combined, but not for any of the ethnic groups individually, suggesting population stratification may be a possibility for this finding (Xue et al, 2001).

British Journal of Cancer

In instances where this resulted in a fairly high RR estimate, overestimation may be a possibility.

British Journal of Cancer

This is within the scope of synthetic biology and may be a possibility in the next few years.

BMC Systems Biology

There may be a possibility that an overnight stay is required in Oslo (the adventure will still be 5 nights, regardless of this).

The Guardian - Travel

PVRWire thinks that a partnership is highly unlikely but a licensing deal may be a possibility.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this may be a possibility" to introduce a potential outcome or solution when you want to convey uncertainty or suggest that further investigation is needed. It's best used when you don't want to sound overly confident.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on phrases like "this may be a possibility" without providing supporting evidence or context. Overuse can make your writing sound indecisive and lacking in substance. Instead, consider offering specific scenarios or data to strengthen your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this may be a possibility" serves as a hedge, softening a statement and indicating uncertainty or potential. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct. It introduces a potential outcome or explanation without asserting it as a certainty.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this may be a possibility" is a grammatically sound phrase used to introduce a potential outcome with a degree of uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and versatility. The phrase sees frequent usage across scientific, news, and general knowledge domains, functioning as a hedge to soften statements. While it is widely applicable, overuse without supporting details should be avoided to maintain clarity and decisiveness in writing. For alternatives, consider options like "this could be an option" or "this presents a conceivable scenario" to vary your phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this could be a potential outcome

Replaces "may be" with "could be" and "possibility" with "potential outcome", emphasizing a potential result.

this might be a feasible option

Substitutes "may be" with "might be" and "possibility" with "feasible option", suggesting practicality.

this presents a conceivable scenario

Uses "presents a conceivable scenario" instead of "may be a possibility", offering a more formal tone.

this offers a plausible explanation

Replaces "possibility" with "plausible explanation", focusing on providing a reason or justification.

it is not out of the question

Expresses possibility by negating impossibility, implying that something is indeed possible.

there is a chance of this happening

Phrases the statement in terms of a chance event, rather than a fixed possibility.

this is a prospective avenue

Replaces "possibility" with "prospective avenue", suggesting a direction for future exploration or development.

this remains a viable alternative

Uses "viable alternative" in place of "possibility", highlighting that something is both possible and practical.

this is within the realm of possibility

Emphasizes that something is conceivable, even if not highly probable.

this is a contingent prospect

Suggests that the outcome depends on certain conditions, making the prospect conditional.

FAQs

How can I use "this may be a possibility" in a sentence?

Use "this may be a possibility" to introduce a potential outcome or solution. For example, "While unlikely, this may be a possibility if we adjust our strategy."

What are some alternatives to "this may be a possibility"?

You can use alternatives like "this could be an option", "this might be feasible", or "this presents a conceivable scenario depending on the context.

Is it better to say "this is a possibility" or "this may be a possibility"?

"This is a possibility" suggests a higher likelihood than "this may be a possibility". The latter implies more uncertainty or speculation.

What's the difference between "this may be a possibility" and "this is a probability"?

"This may be a possibility" indicates something that could happen, whereas "this is a probability" suggests something is likely to happen based on available data or evidence. Probability implies a statistical assessment.