possibilities
possibilities — noun
- possibilitiessingular
- possibilitiesesplural
1. how likely it is that a particular event will occur or that a statement is corre
how likely it is that a particular event will occur or that a statement is correct, especially when the outcome is still uncertain
The weather report says there is a strong possibility of rain this evening.
possibility + of + noun
Dylan is excited about the possibility of starting a new job next month.
Scientists are studying the possibility that the ancient cave holds more fossils.
Nkechi refused to accept the possibility that her application might be turned down.
There is a real possibility that the old bridge will collapse if nothing is done.
- chance
more everyday and less formal than 'possibility'; 'a chance of snow' sounds natural in casual speech
- likelihood
slightly more formal and suggests a higher probability; 'the likelihood of success' implies it is probable
- probability
more technical or mathematical; often used in statistics or formal reasoning
- prospect
focuses on a future event that is hoped for; 'the prospect of a promotion' has a positive tone
- impossibility
something that cannot happen or be true
文法句型
possibility + of + noun/gerund
possibility + that-clause
用法筆記
Often used with a that-clause to express what might happen (e.g. 'the possibility that prices will rise'). Can also be followed by 'of' + a noun or gerund (e.g. 'the possibility of finding a cure').
常見錯誤
2. each of the different courses of action that are open to someone when they need
each of the different courses of action that are open to someone when they need to make a decision
Andrés is exploring several career possibilities before he finishes university.
plural form: possibilities + of/for
The committee discussed three possibilities for how to redesign the city park.
Moving to a smaller town is one possibility the Okonkwo family is thinking about.
The architect showed several design possibilities for the new community library.
Hari weighed each option carefully, but none of the possibilities seemed perfect.
- option
more direct and practical; 'option' implies a concrete choice available now, while 'possibility' feels more open-ended
- alternative
suggests a choice between two or more mutually exclusive options; often used in decision-making contexts
- choice
the most general word; 'many choices' is very common in everyday conversation
文法句型
possibility of + noun/gerund
possibility for + noun
用法筆記
In this sense, the plural form 'possibilities' is very common because people often discuss multiple choices. The singular 'possibility' can also be used, especially with 'one possibility is...'.