Possibility to Do vs. Possibility of Doing – Which is Correct?
When expressing the idea that an action may happen, use “the possibility of doing something.” The phrase “possibility to do” is sometimes understood, but it is uncommon and often sounds unnatural in standard American English. Prefer “possibility of,” “possibility that,” or “possible to” for clear, idiomatic writing in most contexts.
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Possibility to Do or Possibility of Doing – Which is Correct?
Possibility of doing is the usual and most idiomatic construction when possibility is followed by an action. For example, write “We discussed the possibility of moving” rather than “We discussed the possibility to move.”
Possibility to do is not normally treated as a spelling mistake, and readers can usually understand it. However, it is comparatively uncommon in standard American English and may sound influenced by another language. In most situations, use possibility of + gerund, possibility that + clause, or it is possible to + base verb.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
Use the noun–verb swap test. If the sentence begins with the noun possibility, follow it with of: “the possibility of winning.” If you use the adjective possible, follow it with to: “it is possible to win.” This simple contrast makes the preferred pattern easy to remember.
| Word or Phrase | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| possibility of doing | Noun phrase | The chance that an action may happen | We considered the possibility of delaying the launch. |
| possibility to do | Noun phrase | An understandable but less idiomatic way to express an opportunity or potential action | The possibility to change the settings was mentioned. |
| possible to do | Adjective phrase | Able or likely to happen | It is possible to change the settings. |
How to Use Possibility of Doing
Possibility of doing is the standard construction for discussing an action that may occur. The preposition of is followed by a gerund, which is the -ing form of a verb functioning as a noun. This phrase works in casual, academic, business, legal, and professional writing.
Use it when the focus is on a potential event, choice, result, or course of action. The likelihood may be high or low; possibility itself does not indicate certainty.
Because possibility itself does not indicate certainty, compare it with Possibility vs. Probability when discussing likelihood precisely.
Example 1: The committee discussed the possibility of extending the deadline.
Example 2: There is a possibility of heavy rain this evening.
Example 3: She rejected the possibility of changing careers.
What Are the Different Forms of Possibility?
Possibility is a countable noun. Its singular form is possibility, and its regular plural form is possibilities. The phrase can appear with different determiners and prepositions:
- a possibility of doing: One potential outcome or action.
- the possibility of doing: A specific potential outcome already under discussion.
- possibilities of doing: More than one potential action or result.
- no possibility of doing: No realistic chance of an action occurring.
Etymology of the Word Possibility
Possibility entered English through Old French from the Latin possibilitas, meaning “capacity” or “ability to exist or occur.” It is related to the Latin verb posse, meaning “to be able.” The word has long referred to something that may happen or be true.
How to Use Possibility to Do
Possibility to do can be understood, but it is not the usual choice in edited American English. Native speakers generally prefer possibility of doing when possibility is the noun. The to-infinitive sounds more natural after the adjective possible, as in “It is possible to reschedule the appointment.”
In some technical, translated, institutional, or commercial writing, possibility to do may appear. It can sometimes emphasize a feature, option, or available function, but alternatives such as option to do, ability to do, or possibility of doing are usually more idiomatic.
Example 1: Less natural: The possibility to edit the document is available to administrators.
More natural: The option to edit the document is available to administrators.
Example 2: Less natural: We examined the possibility to reduce operating costs.
More natural: We examined the possibility of reducing operating costs.
Example 3: Natural alternative: It is possible to reduce operating costs without cutting staff.
What Are the Different Forms of Possibility to Do?
The phrase possibility to do does not have special verb forms because its central word, possibility, is a noun. The noun changes from possibility to possibilities in the plural, but the preferred structure remains possibility of doing or possibilities of doing.
Etymology of the Word Possibility
Possibility comes from Latin possibilitas through French. It is connected with possible, which ultimately derives from Latin possibilis, “that can be done.” The related verb possess is not the source of its modern meaning, despite the similar appearance.
Related Concepts
Understanding the difference between nouns, adjectives, gerunds, and infinitives helps explain why these expressions follow different patterns.
- Gerunds: A gerund is an -ing verb form used as a noun. In “the possibility of traveling,” traveling names the potential action.
- Infinitives: An infinitive usually consists of to plus the base form of a verb, as in “to travel.” It is especially natural after possible: “It is possible to travel.”
- Noun complements: Some nouns regularly take particular prepositions. Possibility most commonly takes of before an activity or event.
- That-clauses: A clause beginning with that offers another standard structure: “There is a possibility that the meeting will be canceled.”
Examples from Media and Literature
The preferred structure possibility of doing commonly appears in journalism, fiction, academic writing, and public communication:
- News reporting: A report may discuss “the possibility of extending the ceasefire” when describing diplomatic negotiations.
- Business writing: A company announcement may mention “the possibility of expanding into new markets.”
- Scientific writing: A research paper may explore “the possibility of detecting life beyond Earth.”
- Historical fiction: A character might fear “the possibility of losing the family estate.”
- Public notices: An event organizer may warn attendees about “the possibility of delays caused by severe weather.”
Practice Exercises
Choose the most natural phrase to complete each sentence: possibility to do, possibility of doing, or possible to do.
- We discussed the ______ the project next month.
- Is it ______ reserve a seat online?
- The scientists considered the ______ water on the planet.
- There is a strong ______ prices will increase.
- The software gives users the ______ their passwords at any time.
Answer Key
- possibility of doing — We discussed the possibility of doing the project next month.
- possible to do — Is it possible to reserve a seat online?
- possibility of finding — The scientists considered the possibility of finding water on the planet.
- possibility that — There is a strong possibility that prices will increase.
- ability to change or option to change — The software gives users the ability to change their passwords at any time.
Possibility of Doing Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| chance of doing | The likelihood that an action may happen; often more conversational. |
| prospect of doing | The expected or anticipated chance of an action, often used in formal contexts. |
| potential for doing | The capacity or opportunity for an action to occur. |
| likelihood of doing | The degree to which an action is expected to happen. |
Possibility to Do Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| option to do | A choice or alternative available to someone. |
| ability to do | The skill, capacity, or technical function required to perform an action. |
| opportunity to do | A favorable situation that allows someone to perform an action. |
| potential to do | The capacity or likelihood of performing an action. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is “possibility to do” grammatically correct?
It is understandable and can appear in some technical or translated writing, but it is not the most idiomatic choice in standard American English. Use “possibility of doing” in most contexts.
Question 2: Should I say “possibility of doing” or “possibility to do”?
Choose “possibility of doing” when possibility is the noun: “the possibility of changing the plan.” Use “possible to do” when possible is the adjective: “It is possible to change the plan.”
Question 3: Can “possibility” be followed by a that-clause?
Yes. “Possibility that” is a standard alternative, especially when the subject and verb of the potential event need to be stated: “There is a possibility that the flight will be delayed.”
Question 4: Is “possibility of doing” formal or casual?
It is neutral and works in both everyday and formal English. In casual speech, “chance of doing” may sound more conversational, while “possibility of doing” is suitable for professional and academic writing.
Conclusion
Use possibility of doing when a noun is followed by an action: “the possibility of winning.” Use possible to do when using the adjective: “it is possible to win.” Although “possibility to do” may be understood, it often sounds unnatural. Pro Tip: Choosing the idiomatic construction improves clarity and protects your professional reputation.
