"possibilities"

[Jack Clark]

I have frequently heard and seen (in instruction manuals) the word "possibilities" used a bit oddly by native speakers of German. It seems to be used where "options" or sometimes "features" is intended. For example:

"This new development left John with only two possibilities (meaning "options"): . . ." etc.

"This product has the following possibilities (meaning "features"):
• Greater capacity
• Faster speeds
• Longer life" etc.

Is there a better way to teach word choice in a situation like this other than simply providing a list of examples? Or is that the best way?

(Addressing American English only.)

[markdoyle]

Yes, the best way is through experience (which is not the same as giving examples). Experience lets the student relate the use of certain word/phrase with a meaning by themselves. I think reading in English is one of those experiences, and it should be encouraged by teachers. Collocation is an arbitraty thing, but our memory needs to relate it to a certain experience, otherwise it might not fix.