a big likelihood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a big likelihood" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the probability or chance of something happening, often in a more informal context. Example: "There is a big likelihood that we will finish the project ahead of schedule if everyone stays focused."

✓ Grammatically correct

Formal & Business

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

If you think there is a big likelihood of another major economic shock in the next few years, you would favour getting the national debt down faster - because there would be a bit more room for debt to rise in the next recession without turning the UK, in public finance terms, into Italy or Greece.

BBC

"You have a big likelihood of spreading of diarrheal diseases; that's why it is very important to build latrines".

Unicef

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

U.K.-based specialist insurer Marmalade operates in the land of the young and the restless, targeting young drivers (age 17-24) via a telematics offering, in which discounts are granted during renewal; a bigger likelihood of drivers staying with the insurer for at least two years.

TechCrunch

There is also a very big likelihood that you will get good deals from such a provider.

WikiHow

The bigger likelihood ratio area, the more latent target information can be utilized.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

What the study found was that attractiveness played a big part in the likelihood of making the second stage of the recruitment process, and a suggestion that attractiveness was playing a much bigger part in women's job prospects than men.

Independent

This of course, puts Polycom in play in a big way, and the likelihood of HP acquiring them just went up exponentially.

Forbes

Income also plays a big role in the likelihood of defaulting on financial commitments, with agreeable people in higher income brackets less likely to do so than those in lower ones.

Vice

There is no likelihood of a big television campaign since there is no money to pay for one.

The New York Times

And the worry is that even the likelihood of a big payout could trigger a mass exodus of accounting partners, followed by clients, then by more partners.

The Economist

And it would eliminate the likelihood of a big political fight over increasing those taxes just as he campaigns for re-election.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a big likelihood" when conveying a substantial probability in contexts that allow for a slightly informal tone. For more formal writing, consider "a substantial likelihood" or "high probability".

Common error

Avoid using "a big likelihood" in highly formal documents such as academic papers or legal contracts. Opt for more precise and formal alternatives like "high probability" or "significant chance" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big likelihood" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject complement or object of a preposition. It denotes the degree of probability or chance associated with a particular event or outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Academia

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a big likelihood" is a grammatically correct and understandable way to express a considerable probability or chance. While Ludwig's analysis indicates its usability, it also suggests that the phrase is most appropriate in neutral to slightly informal contexts. More formal alternatives, such as "high probability" or "substantial likelihood", are better suited for academic or professional writing. The frequency analysis indicates that the expression is most common in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business contexts. When deciding to use "a big likelihood", consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing to ensure it aligns with your intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Substantial likelihood

Similar to "a big likelihood" but sounds more formal.

Good chance

Informal and widely understood.

High probability

More formal and emphasizes the numerical aspect of probability.

Strong possibility

Highlights the potential for something to occur.

Real possibility

Stresses that the event could genuinely happen.

Significant chance

Emphasizes the importance or impact of the potential event.

Realistic prospect

Highlights the feasibility of an outcome.

Considerable prospect

Suggests a noteworthy outlook or expectation.

Promising outlook

Emphasizes a positive expectation.

Decent possibility

Indicates a reasonable, though not certain, chance.

FAQs

How can I use "a big likelihood" in a sentence?

You can use "a big likelihood" to describe a situation where there's a notable chance of something occurring. For example, "There is "a big likelihood" that the event will be canceled due to the weather."

What are some alternatives to "a big likelihood"?

Alternatives include "high probability", "strong possibility", or "significant chance". The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "a big likelihood" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a big likelihood" might be perceived as too informal for academic or professional contexts. Consider more formal alternatives like "substantial likelihood" or "high probability" in such cases.

What's the difference between "a big likelihood" and "a small likelihood"?

"A big likelihood" suggests a high probability of something happening, while "a small likelihood" suggests the opposite – a low probability or minimal chance of occurrence.