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Is it ok to use the word Possibility when referring to features of a software application?

As in this example: "In this release, we have added a possibility to display some data..."

PassingBy
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    No. Added the ability to display... Or have made it possible to display... – TimR Apr 06 '15 at 11:06
  • "Added the possibility to display some data" -- if you buy the extra-cost feature and if you can navigate through 12 screens of setup every time you use it. Using "possibility" gives all sorts of wiggle room, if that's the intent. "Added the capability to display some data" would be more meaningful, if the wiggle room is not required. – Hot Licks Apr 06 '15 at 11:51

1 Answers1

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OP: No

Suggest:

"added the capability/ability to display"

"added the capability/ability of displaying"

"Possibility" is too weak. "Capability" shows empowerment.

Marius Hancu
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  • I thought so. But the phrase "make something possible", which is used very often when describing software features, confuses me, e.g. "this feature makes it possible to display some data..." So, I wonder, if you can use "possible", why can't you use "possibility"? E.g. "This feature adds the possibility to... " – PassingBy Apr 06 '15 at 11:22
  • See update. .... – Marius Hancu Apr 06 '15 at 11:27
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    @PassingBy: The verb "add" wants something more definite than a "possibility". The primary meaning of "possibility" is "the potential for something to exist or occur" whereas "to make possible" means "to provide a means to do or achieve something". – TimR Apr 06 '15 at 11:38
  • Marius Hancu, Tim Romano, thank you. I think I now understand both why "add possibility" is incorrect, and the difference between "add possibility" and "make something possible" – PassingBy Apr 06 '15 at 12:46