Assess the likelihood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Assess the likelihood" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when evaluating the probability or chance of a particular event or outcome occurring. Example: "Before making a decision, we need to assess the likelihood of success based on the current data."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This is all about the police need to assess the likelihood of future offending.

The Guardian

"That makes it more challenging to accurately assess the likelihood of temperature records.

The Guardian

And on this basis, to assess the likelihood of q, disregarding, not case.

Cornell University

Vendors need to assess the likelihood that a purchase was made on a stolen credit card.

University of California, Berkeley

"Hell, Rick," Mr. Hill told his comrade, when asked to assess the likelihood of a second attack there.

The New York Times - Books

Nuclear regulators will need to assess the likelihood of that sequence and find ways to mitigate the consequences.

The New York Times

Carney will join up with Birmingham City and assess the likelihood of her involvement against Manchester City.

The Guardian - Sport

He says that a special financial model created to assess the likelihood of an L.B.O.

The New York Times

Probability of default models assess the likelihood of default by an obligor.

Credit Engineering for Bankers A Practical Guide for Bank Lending

All pregnant women are currently offered an ultrasound scan and blood test to assess the likelihood that their child may have Down's.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

He explained to the committee that his comment had been designed to spur the markets to assess and re-assess the likelihood of a rate rise based on shifting economic data.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, use "assess the likelihood" when you need to emphasize a careful, systematic evaluation rather than a quick guess. For example, in a scientific paper or business report, this phrase indicates a thorough analysis.

Common error

Avoid presenting your assessment as a definitive prediction. Use qualifying language such as "it is likely", "there is a high probability", or "the chances are slim" to reflect the inherent uncertainty in assessing likelihood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "assess the likelihood" functions as a verb phrase that introduces an evaluation of probability. It is commonly used to denote a systematic analysis or estimation of the chances that something will happen. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "assess the likelihood" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for evaluating the probability of an event. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it appears commonly in news, scientific, and academic contexts, signifying a careful and systematic analysis. While alternatives like "evaluate the probability" or "determine the chances" exist, "assess the likelihood" is appropriate for scenarios requiring a neutral to formal tone. When using it, clarity is key—ensure your assessment's basis is clear and avoid overstating certainty to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Calculate the likelihood

Replaces "assess" with the more technical term "calculate".

Evaluate the probability

Focuses on the mathematical or statistical aspect of determining probability.

Figure out the probability

Emphasizes the act of calculating and understanding the likelihood.

Determine the chances

Emphasizes the aspect of calculating or figuring out the likelihood.

Gauge the possibility

Highlights the act of measuring or estimating the potential for something to occur.

Estimate the odds

Uses the term "odds" to represent the ratio of success to failure.

Quantify the possibility

Focuses on assigning a numerical value to the potential for something to occur.

Weigh the potential

Suggests a careful consideration of all factors that contribute to a potential outcome.

Appraise the risk

Specifically targets the assessment of potential dangers or negative outcomes.

Ascertain the prospect

Highlights the process of finding out or making sure of a future possibility.

FAQs

How can I use "assess the likelihood" in a sentence?

You can use "assess the likelihood" when you want to evaluate the probability or chance of a particular event occurring. For example: "We need to assess the likelihood of project failure before proceeding."

What are some alternatives to "assess the likelihood"?

Alternatives include "evaluate the probability", "determine the chances", or "gauge the possibility". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "assess the likelihood" or "calculate the likelihood"?

"Assess the likelihood" is generally used for a broader evaluation, while "calculate the likelihood" implies a more precise, mathematical approach. Use "calculate" when you have sufficient data for a quantitative analysis.

What is the difference between "assess the likelihood" and "predict the likelihood"?

"Assess the likelihood" involves evaluating available information to estimate a probability, while "predict the likelihood" suggests making a forecast based on that assessment. Prediction is more forward-looking and implies a degree of certainty that assessment avoids.