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Prepositions with nouns

Possibility with of, for, about, and other prepositions

Possibility is commonly followed by of or that to describe what may happen. Other prepositions often introduce related information rather than directly completing the noun.

Quick answer

Which prepositions are used with possibility?

The most common patterns are possibility of + noun/verb-ing and possibility that + clause. Possibility for is used when talking about opportunities or room for development. Possibility with usually refers to accompanying circumstances, and possibility to is uncommon before a noun phrase but possible before an infinitive in formal English.

There is a real possibility of rain tonight.
We discussed the possibility that the launch could be delayed.
The new software creates a possibility for faster reporting.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
possibility of + noun/verb-ing

Talking about something that may happen

Use possibility of to name a potential event, situation, or action.

Scientists are studying the possibility of life on other planets.
We cannot ignore the possibility of losing data.
2
possibility that + clause

Introducing a complete idea

Use possibility that before a full clause with a subject and verb.

There is a strong possibility that prices will rise.
3
possibility for + noun

Describing opportunity or room for something

Use possibility for when meaning opportunity, potential, or capacity.

The agreement opens the possibility for future cooperation.
4
possibility with + noun

Referring to conditions or accompanying factors

Possibility with usually describes a situation connected to another thing rather than a fixed collocation.

There is always some possibility with experimental methods.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
possibility of
We discussed the possibility of moving abroad.
Standard pattern for a possible event or action.
possibility with
There are risks and possibility with new technology.
Possible only in broader sentence structure; with introduces accompanying circumstances, not the direct complement of possibility.
possibility to
There is little possibility to change the schedule now.
Formal and less common; often replaced by possibility of changing or possibility that.
possibility about
They talked about the possibility about funding cuts.
Nonstandard after possibility. Use possibility of funding cuts or discussion about the possibility of funding cuts.
possibility for
The project offers a possibility for growth.
Used for opportunity or potential benefit.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using about directly after possibility

About usually belongs with verbs like talk or think, not directly with possibility.

✕ the possibility about delays ✓ the possibility of delays

Using to before a noun phrase

Possibility to is mainly used before an infinitive, not a noun.

✕ the possibility to success ✓ the possibility of success

Confusing for and of

Use of for possible events and for for opportunities.

✕ the possibility for rain ✓ the possibility of rain

Forgetting that after possibility

A full clause normally needs that.

✕ the possibility prices will rise ✓ the possibility that prices will rise

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. There is a strong possibility ___ snow tonight.
2. The new policy creates a possibility ___ career growth.
3. We discussed the possibility ___ the meeting could be cancelled.

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Frequently asked questions

Is possibility to correct English?

Yes, especially before an infinitive in formal English, but possibility of is usually more natural.

Can I say possibility about?

Not normally. Use possibility of instead.

What is the difference between possibility of and possibility for?

Possibility of refers to a potential event or action, while possibility for often refers to opportunity or capacity.

of, about, against, to or for racism? of, about, for, in or on friendship? of, about, for, on or to thing? of, about, for, to or with sex? of, about, on, to or for moon? "of access" or "with access"? "of accommodation" or "for accommodation"? "of accuracy" or "for accuracy"? "of action" or "in action"? "of actor", "with actor" or "by actor"? "of address" or "to address"? "of administration" or "in administration"?

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