1
Core action
Suggest that a proposition may be true without claiming that it is established.
Example
The inscription raises the possibility that the site is older than assumed.
raise the possibility that
/reɪz ðə ˌpɒsəˈbɪləti ðæt/ · rayz thuh pos-uh-BIL-ih-tee thatpossibility-inference phrase
Suggest that a proposition may be true without claiming that it is established.
Use raise the possibility that to express this relationship precisely: suggest that a proposition may be true without claiming that it is established.
What raise the possibility that Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Common construction
Use this expression in its normal grammatical frame so the relationship between the surrounding ideas remains explicit.
Example
The pattern raises the possibility that two causes interacted.
3
Reasoning effect
It tells the reader how to interpret the timing, scope, evidence, contrast, condition, or consequence in the statement.
Example
The anomalous reading may raise the possibility that the sample was contaminated.
Use raise the possibility that Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The inscription raises the possibility that the site is older than assumed.
The pattern raises the possibility that two causes interacted.
The anomalous reading may raise the possibility that the sample was contaminated.
Precision Matters
Raise the possibility that overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
raise the possibility that
vs.Means suggest that a proposition may be true without claiming that it is established.
surmise
Means to infer or guess without conclusive proof.
raise the possibility that
vs.Means suggest that a proposition may be true without claiming that it is established.
conjecture
Means a tentative conclusion based on incomplete evidence.
raise the possibility that
vs.Means suggest that a proposition may be true without claiming that it is established.
infer
Means to reach a conclusion from evidence and reasoning rather than direct statement.
raise the possibility that
vs.Means suggest that a proposition may be true without claiming that it is established.
point to
Means indicate, suggest, or direct attention toward a possible conclusion or explanation.
Test raise the possibility that in Context
The evidence suggests a possibility without establishing it as fact.
1
The unexpected pigment may ___ the manuscript was repaired in a later century.