possibilities

IPA/ˌpɒs.əˈbɪl.ə.ti/
KK[pˌɑsəbˈɪlətiz]IPA/ˌpɑː.səˈbɪl.ə.t̬i/

possibilities — 名詞

  • possibilitiessingular
  • possibilitiesesplural

1. how likely it is that a particular event will occur or that a statement is corre

1.名詞A2
釋義

可能性

某事可能發生或屬實的機會

how likely it is that a particular event will occur or that a statement is correct, especially when the outcome is still uncertain

例句

The weather report says there is a strong possibility of rain this evening.

天氣預報說今晚很可能會下雨。

possibility + of + noun

Dylan is excited about the possibility of starting a new job next month.

Dylan 對於下個月可能開始新工作感到很興奮。

同義詞
  • 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

反義詞

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

❌There is a possibility to rain today.
✅There is a possibility of rain today.
💡After 'possibility', use 'of' + noun/gerund, not the infinitive 'to'.
❌I think it's possibility.
✅I think it's a possibility.
💡'Possibility' is a countable noun and needs an article or determiner.

2. each of the different courses of action that are open to someone when they need

2.名詞B1
釋義

選擇；選項

在某情況下可做的選擇

each of the different courses of action that are open to someone when they need to make a decision

例句

Andrés is exploring several career possibilities before he finishes university.

Andrés 在畢業前正在探索幾種職業選擇。

plural form: possibilities + of/for

The committee discussed three possibilities for how to redesign the city park.

委員會討論了三種重新設計公園的方案。

同義詞
  • 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...'.

常見錯誤

❌We have many possibility.
✅We have many possibilities.
💡This sense is most often used in the plural when listing choices.
❌There is no possibilities for us.
✅There are no possibilities for us.
💡'Possibilities' is plural, so the verb must be 'are'.