Possibility

explore possibility

Keep trying. Don’t give up until you have explored every possibility.

exhaust possibility

Look, we’ve been investigating this case for almost two years now. I think we’ve exhausted all the possibilities.

allow for possibility

I’m afraid that we can’t give you an exact date for the completion of the building. We have to allow for the possibility that bad weather may hold up progress.

raise possibility

This new breakthrough raises the possibility of finding a cure for MS.

rule out possibility

We can’t rule out the possibility that the child was swept out to sea by a huge wave.

avoid possibility

Hundreds of police were present at the Cup Final to avoid any possibility of a repetition of last year’s fighting between rival fans.

examine possibility

Let’s examine a few other possibilities before we book the hotel. We might find somewhere a bit more convenient.

open up possibility

The conviction of John Faulkner opens up the possibilities that other crimes might be solved through the use of DNA evidence.

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They are examining the possibility of a complete five-year ban on fishing in the North Sea. (considering the possibility)

It’s not likely to happen but I wouldn’t rule out the possibility. (rejecting)

Have you decided how you’ll travel to the meeting? >No, I’m still considering the possibilities. (considering the possibility)

At this stage of our investigation we can’t exclude the possibility that he may have been murdered. (rejecting)

We are also looking at the possibility of converting the old school into a hotel. (considering the possibility)

Before the election the President refused to entertain the possibility of defeat. (rejecting)

I think we should postpone our trip to the seaside. There’s a strong possibility of rain this afternoon.

We need to do a number of further tests as there is a remote possibility that it could be cancerous.

Cloudy skies are forecast so there’s only a faint possibility that it could be cancerous.

If sales of our products don’t improve soon. I’m afraid job losses remain a real possibility.

There’s a distinct possibility that I will be in London next week. Perhaps we can meet up.

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one possibility

In order to clear your debts, you have a number of options open to you. Selling your car is just one possibility.

any possibility

Is there any possibility of you giving me a lift to the station tomorrow night?

various possibility

Have you decided what to do? > No, I’m still considering the various possibilities.

endless probability

The cottage is surrounded by huge areas of open countryside. There are endless possibilities for hill-walking and fishing.

every possibility 

There is every possibility that we will be able to complete the work on time. We’re almost certain to meet the deadline.

 

Notes

• Note this expression:

We might holiday in space one day – it’s not beyond the bounds of possibility.

• If something ‘has possibilities’, it means it has potential:

The house is a bit run down, but it has possibilities.

• Both ‘for’ and ‘of’ can be used after ‘possibility’:

There’s a possibility of snow.

The place has possibilities for development.