vague possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vague possibility" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or outcome that is uncertain or not clearly defined. Example: "There is a vague possibility that the event may be rescheduled due to unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Planned holidays and the vague possibility of a company pension.

The Guardian

Instead, worried at hurt feelings and a vague possibility of retribution, I apologised.

The Guardian - Tech

But I also think that, at this three-figure level, there's some vague possibility that my wife will be sympathetic.

The Guardian - Sport

Now he was in the I.C.U. with a rare cardiac condition and the vague possibility of a transplant.

The New York Times

But other EU leaders must now accept that a UK referendum is a reality, not a vague possibility, which changes the rules of engagement.

The Guardian - Business

The one small caveat offered to Terry was the vague possibility the situation might change when a permanent successor is appointed to José Mourinho in the summer.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

But he soon discovers that memory is a slippery thing, "not a summation, it is a chaos of vague possibilities".

The New Yorker

Mill refers to these possibilities which are conditional certainties as "permanent possibilities", thus distinguishing them from mere vague possibilities which experience gives us no warrant for reckoning upon.

SEP

Most large companies have overseas divisions, but you need to be certain that any promises of travel are concrete rather than vague possibilities.

Science Magazine

To the contrary, as just indicated, Mill carefully distinguishes between the permanent possibilities that constitute ordinary things from the mere or "vague" possibilities that we conjure up in our imagination.

SEP

But Crane Story teases out so many confusing, vague possibilities that in the end you just feel frustrated and cheated.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "vague possibility", ensure the context clarifies the nature and limitations of the possibility being discussed. Avoid overstating its significance or likelihood.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "vague possibility" as a certainty or strong likelihood. Clearly indicate its uncertain nature to prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vague possibility" functions as a noun phrase, where "vague" modifies the noun "possibility". It describes the quality of the possibility being uncertain or not clearly defined. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts to indicate a low degree of certainty.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "vague possibility" is a common and grammatically correct way to express uncertainty or speculation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English to describe an uncertain or not clearly defined situation or outcome. While it appears most frequently in news and media sources, it can also be found in scientific and business contexts. When using "vague possibility", it's important to ensure the context clearly indicates the uncertain nature of what is being discussed to avoid misleading readers. Alternatives like "slight chance" or "remote chance" can be used depending on the degree of likelihood you want to convey. In summary, "vague possibility" is a useful phrase for acknowledging uncertainty while prompting the need for clarity and contextual understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tenuous possibility

Stresses the weak or fragile nature of the possibility.

tenuous prospect

Highlights the weak and uncertain nature of the outlook.

indistinct possibility

Focuses on the blurred or undefined nature of the possibility.

nebulous prospect

Stresses the hazy and ill-defined nature of the prospect.

slight chance

Indicates a small degree of possibility.

slight prospect

Indicates a minimal expectation or potential.

remote prospect

Focuses on the distant or unlikely outlook.

remote chance

Emphasizes the unlikelihood of the possibility.

slim chance

Highlights the minimal probability of something occurring.

unclear potential

Emphasizes the lack of clarity regarding future potential.

FAQs

How can I use "vague possibility" in a sentence?

You can use "vague possibility" to describe something that might happen, but it's not very likely or clear. For example, "There's a "vague possibility" that the project might get delayed".

What's a good alternative to "vague possibility"?

Alternatives include "slight chance", "remote chance", or "tenuous possibility", all indicating something is unlikely.

Is it better to say "vague possibility" or "unclear possibility"?

"Vague possibility" and "unclear possibility" are similar. "Vague" suggests a lack of detail, while "unclear" suggests a lack of understanding. The better choice depends on what aspect you want to emphasize.

What does "vague possibility" imply about the likelihood of something?

It implies that the event is not very likely and might not even be well-defined. It suggests uncertainty and a need for more information.