ESEN
Which one to use?Intermediatenounnoun
PossibilityvsOpportunity
"Possibility" is something that may happen; "opportunity" is a favorable situation that lets you do something good.
Side-by-side comparison
Possibility
noun"Possibility" is the condition of something being able to happen, with no implication it is good or that you must act on it. "There's a possibility of rain" = it might rain.
There is a possibility of rain tomorrow. Bring an umbrella.
Is there any possibility that the flight was canceled?
We discussed the possibilities and chose the best option.
Opportunity
noun"Opportunity" is a favorable moment or situation: the right time to do or achieve something desirable. It always has a positive connotation. "Take the opportunity" = make use of this chance.
This job is a great opportunity to grow professionally.
Do not miss this opportunity. It may not come again.
She used every opportunity to practice her English.
Common mistake
- •"I have the possibility to study in the US" when meaning something positive to seize is wrong: use "opportunity." "Possibility" is neutral; "opportunity" implies something good to take advantage of.
- •The reverse: "There is an opportunity of rain" is wrong, rain is not a positive chance; use "possibility."
Trick to remember it
- •"Possibility" = it may happen (neutral, good or bad).
- •"Opportunity" = I can take advantage of something good (always positive, invites action).
- •If it is something you want to seize, use "opportunity."
Quick rule
- •"Possibility" = something that may happen (neutral).
- •"Opportunity" = a favorable situation you can take advantage of.
Did you know?
CHANCE is a third synonym that works informally in both contexts: "There is a chance of rain" (possibility) and "This is a great chance to learn" (opportunity). It is the most versatile and frequent of the three in informal conversation. In business English, OPPORTUNITY is used far more than POSSIBILITY for favorable situations: "business opportunity," "investment opportunity," "growth opportunity." Ironically, in academic and scientific English, POSSIBILITY is more common because scientists prefer neutral language that does not prejudge whether an outcome is desirable.
Practise what you learned
Exercise 1 · Pick the right one
She took the _____ to travel when she was between jobs. It was a perfect time.
Exercise 2 · Pick the right one
There's always the _____ that the flight will be delayed in bad weather.
Exercise 3 · Form the word
Related word pairs
HopevsWish
One desires something possible, the other desires something impossible or contrary to reality.
RealizevsNotice
Both can mean 'darse cuenta', but one implies mental understanding and the other sensory perception.
AbovevsOver
"Above" is at a higher level without contact; "over" implies covering, movement, or crossing.
ActuallyvsReally
"Actually" corrects or contrasts an assumption; "really" intensifies or confirms.
Bryan López
Founder of SpeakUP Academy