possibility
B1Neutral to formal. Used across all registers but slightly more formal in its noun form than 'chance' or 'option'.
Definition
Meaning
Something that may happen or may be the case; the fact or state of being possible.
A potential for development or advancement; a candidate or option that could be chosen or considered.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word refers to an abstract concept of something that is not certain but is within the realm of what could exist, happen, or be true. It often implies a degree of feasibility or potentiality. It can be countable ('several possibilities') or uncountable ('there is little possibility').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in meaning or usage. Minor spelling variations in related words (e.g., 'possibility' vs. none). The word is equally common in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral in both varieties. The use of 'possibility' versus 'option' or 'chance' may have slight regional preferences in specific collocations but no significant connotative difference.
Frequency
Very high frequency in both varieties; listed among the top 3000 words in corpora of both British and American English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
the possibility of + noun/gerundthe possibility that + clausethere is a/no/little/strong possibility of/thatpossibility for + noun (e.g., for growth)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A distinct possibility”
- “Within the bounds/realm of possibility”
- “Not beyond the realms of possibility”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in planning and forecasting: 'We are exploring the possibility of a merger.'
Academic
Used in hypotheses and theoretical discussions: 'The study investigates the possibility of a causal link.'
Everyday
Used in general conversation about plans or uncertainties: 'There's a possibility of rain later.'
Technical
Used in fields like engineering or computing to denote a potential state or outcome: 'The software tests for the possibility of system failure.'
Examples
By CEFR Level
- There is a possibility we will go to the park tomorrow.
- I see a possibility for a new game here.
- The possibility of finding cheap flights in summer is low.
- We need to consider all possibilities before deciding.
- He raised the possibility that the data had been misinterpreted.
- The treaty opens up new possibilities for economic cooperation.
- Given the current geopolitical climate, military intervention remains a distinct possibility.
- The research pushes the boundaries of what is considered within the realm of scientific possibility.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'possible' + '-ity'. Something with the 'quality of being possible' is a possibility.
Conceptual Metaphor
POSSIBILITY IS SPACE (exploring possibilities, opening up possibilities, narrowing down possibilities). POSSIBILITY IS A CONTAINER (within/outside the realm of possibility).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid over-translating as 'вероятность' (probability/likelihood) when the chance is low or uncertain. Use 'возможность'.
- Note the countable use: 'several possibilities' = 'несколько вариантов/возможностей'.
- The phrase 'there is a possibility' is more natural than the direct calque 'имеется возможность' in many contexts; often просто 'возможно, что...'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a plural uncountable (e.g., 'many possibility' instead of 'many possibilities').
- Confusing 'possibility' with 'opportunity' (an opportunity is a favourable possibility or chance).
- Incorrect preposition: 'possibility for' vs. 'possibility of' (usually 'of' + noun/gerund, 'for' + noun indicating purpose/beneficiary).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the strongest collocation with 'possibility' indicating something is very likely?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Possibility' refers to whether something can happen at all, regardless of likelihood. 'Probability' refers to the measurable or estimated likelihood of it happening. All probabilities are possibilities, but not all possibilities are probable.
It is both. It is countable when referring to individual potential outcomes ('We have two possibilities'). It is uncountable when referring to the general concept ('There is little possibility of success').
The preposition 'of' is most common, followed by a noun or gerund (the possibility of rain, the possibility of winning). 'That' introduces a clause (the possibility that he is right). 'For' is used to indicate a purpose or field (new possibilities for treatment).
Yes, it is neutral. It can refer to positive opportunities ('exciting possibilities') or negative risks ('the possibility of failure'). The context determines the positive or negative connotation.
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