Possibility vs Opportunity: What's the Difference?
What's the Difference?
Possibility refers to the likelihood of something happening, while opportunity refers to a chance that can be taken advantage of.
Memory Tip: possibility = potential, opportunity = open door
possibility stress on 'bil', opportunity stress on 'tu'
possibility /pəˌsɪbɪˈlɪti/
nounSomething that might happen or be true.
Example:
If it starts raining, there is a possibility that the picnic will be canceled.
Common patterns:
real possibility
slim possibility
explore possibilities
opportunity /ˌɑːpərˈtjuːnɪti/
nounAn opportunity is a chance to do something good or important.
Example:
If you study hard, you will have the opportunity to attend a good university.
Common patterns:
have an opportunity
take an opportunity
Common Mistakes
She was excited about the possibility to travel to Europe next summer.
She was excited about the opportunity to travel to Europe next summer.
The sentence refers to a chance she can take advantage of, so 'opportunity' is correct.
There's an opportunity of rain tomorrow, so bring an umbrella.
There's a possibility of rain tomorrow, so bring an umbrella.
The sentence refers to the likelihood of rain happening, so 'possibility' is correct.
Quick Practice
0/2 correct1. If it starts raining, there is a ____ that the picnic will be canceled.
2. If you study hard, you will have the ____ to attend a good university.
Other Confusing Words
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