Chances are high

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Chances are high" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a likelihood or probability of something occurring. Example: "Chances are high that it will rain tomorrow, so don't forget your umbrella."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Chances are high that those loans are unlikely to ever be paid back in full.

The New York Times

Chances are high that they will pick Taurasi, whose "killer instinct" they like.

The New Yorker

"Chances are high that the food you've eaten recently was picked by a Mixtec immigrant," Black points out.

The New Yorker

"Chances are high that Google will continue this practice.

TechCrunch

Chances are high you have heard of Google.

TechCrunch

Chances are high that your answer is yes.

Huffington Post

Chances are high, however, that if the person in question didn't apologize, it was intentional.

Huffington Post

Chances are high a patient has wasted money on a wide range of creams that provided little to no relief.

Huffington Post

Chances are high that Barca will not receive "big-money" donations from corporations or monied special interests.

Huffington Post

Chances are high you won't be called on to become king of a nation, but you are called to be the king or queen of your own life.

Huffington Post

Chances are high that you'll ignore this call, right?. How about when you're called by your name (For example: "Hey, John!")?... well, you catch the drift.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Chances are high" to introduce a statement that is very likely to be true based on current evidence or common knowledge. It adds a conversational tone to formal writing.

Common error

While "Chances are high" is acceptable in many situations, overuse in formal documents can make your writing sound less professional. Opt for more formal alternatives like "It is highly probable" or "The likelihood is significant" in those cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Chances are high" functions as an idiomatic expression used to indicate a strong probability or likelihood. It introduces a statement that is considered very likely to be true. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is used to express likelihood.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Chances are high" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express a strong likelihood or probability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s considered correct for use in writing. While versatile, it is more suited to neutral and informal contexts than strictly formal or academic writing. With a source quality score of 81 and an expert rating of 4.5, this phrase appears most often in News & Media and Science sources. Remember to consider the context and choose a more formal alternative when necessary, such as "it is highly probable" or "the likelihood is great".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

It is very likely

Uses "likely" instead of "chances", providing a straightforward synonym.

It's highly likely that

Expands the original phrase to include "that", adding a subordinating conjunction.

It is highly probable

Replaces "chances are" with a more formal term, maintaining a high degree of certainty.

There's a good possibility

Substitutes "possibility" for "chance", offering a slightly more tentative tone.

The likelihood is great

Uses "likelihood" to convey a strong probability, varying the vocabulary.

The odds are good

Employs "odds" to suggest a favorable probability, differing slightly in tone.

It's quite possible

Similar to 'there's a good possibility' but emphasizing possibility.

It's almost certain

Indicates a very strong likelihood, bordering on certainty.

It is to be expected

Shifts the focus to expectation rather than probability, implying a logical conclusion.

It can be assumed

Focuses on the act of assuming based on evidence or reasoning.

FAQs

How can I use "Chances are high" in a sentence?

You can use "Chances are high" to indicate a strong likelihood. For example, "Chances are high that the meeting will be postponed due to the storm."

What phrases can I use instead of "Chances are high"?

Alternatives include "it is very likely", "the odds are good", or "it is highly probable", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it grammatically correct to say "Chances are high"?

Yes, "Chances are high" is grammatically correct and widely accepted in both spoken and written English. It effectively conveys a strong probability.

What is the difference between "Chances are high" and "Chances are low"?

"Chances are high" indicates a strong likelihood of something happening, while "Chances are low" suggests that something is unlikely to occur. They are antonyms expressing opposite probabilities.