possibility

/ˌpɒsəˈbɪləti/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌpɑːsəˈbɪləti/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌpä-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē/ (ame, mw)

possibility — noun

  • possibilitysingular
  • possibilitiesplural

1. the quality of not being impossible — used when the outcome of a situation is st

1.名詞B1
釋義

the quality of not being impossible — used when the outcome of a situation is still unknown and could go either way.

例句

There is a strong possibility that Talia will get the job she applied for.

there is ... possibility + that-clause

The possibility of rain made Vinícius bring an umbrella to the game.

possibility of + noun

同義詞
  • chance

    Most common and informal; often interchangeable with possibility in everyday speech

  • likelihood

    Slightly more formal and neutral; used when assessing how probable something is

  • prospect

    Often implies a future event that is hoped for or expected, not just possible

  • probability

    More mathematical or scientific tone; suggests a measurable degree of certainty

反義詞
  • impossibility

    The opposite — something that cannot happen or be true

  • certainty

    A situation in which there is no doubt about the outcome

文法句型

there is/are + (adjective) + possibility + that-clause

the possibility of + noun / gerund

verb + the possibility + that-clause

用法筆記

Often used with 'there is/are' to introduce an uncertain outcome. Common in news reports and everyday conversation about future events.

常見錯誤

❌There is a possibility to rain tomorrow.
✅There is a possibility of rain tomorrow.
💡After 'possibility,' use 'of' + noun or 'that' + clause, not 'to' + infinitive.
❌There is no possibility of him to come.
✅There is no possibility that he will come.
💡Use a that-clause instead of an infinitive after a person.

2. a choice that you have among several options when you find yourself in a situati

2.名詞B1
釋義

a choice that you have among several options when you find yourself in a situation that requires a decision.

例句

Moving to a bigger city is one possibility that Hao and his wife discussed.

one possibility + that-clause for listing options

The committee listed three possibilities for the new park design last week.

listed [number] possibilities

同義詞
  • option

    Closest synonym; slightly more concrete, suggesting a specific item on a list of choices

  • choice

    Emphasises the act of selecting; less formal and more common in everyday speech

  • alternative

    Often implies a choice between two options, though also used for multiple

文法句型

number + possibilities

possibility of + gerund

have / consider / explore / list + possibilities

用法筆記

Frequently appears with numbers (two possibilities, several possibilities) or as the object of verbs like 'consider', 'discuss', 'explore', and 'list'.

常見錯誤

❌We need to discuss about the possibilities.
✅We need to discuss the possibilities.
💡The verb 'discuss' does not take 'about' before its object.
❌I have two possibilities to go there.
✅I have two possibilities for going there.
💡Use 'for' + gerund, not 'to' + infinitive, after 'possibilities' in this sense.

3. the qualities of a person, thing, or situation that suggest it could become bett

3.名詞B2
釋義

the qualities of a person, thing, or situation that suggest it could become better, more successful, or more interesting in the future.

例句

The old house has many possibilities if someone takes time to fix it up.

has possibilities — potential for development

Sophia sees great possibilities in the young artist's early sketches and paintings.

同義詞
  • potential

    The closest synonym; 'potential' is usually uncountable, while 'possibilities' is plural

  • promise

    Suggests a positive expectation of future success, often in creative or personal contexts

  • capability

    Focuses more on the practical ability to achieve something rather than the general prospect

反義詞
  • dead end

    A situation with no potential for further development or progress

文法句型

have / show / offer + possibilities

possibilities for + noun

full of possibilities

用法筆記

Almost always used in the plural when referring to future potential. The singular form with this meaning is rare and risks confusion with sense 1.

常見錯誤

❌The idea has a lot of possibility.
✅The idea has a lot of possibilities.
💡In the sense of future potential, the plural 'possibilities' is the standard form.
❌This city has many possibility.
✅This city has many possibilities.
💡After 'many', always use the plural countable noun 'possibilities'.