a certain likelihood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain likelihood" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the probability or chance of an event occurring, often in a more formal or academic context. Example: "There is a certain likelihood that the project will be completed ahead of schedule, given the team's efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

On Friday in court, Judge Thomas Pryal told Mr. Ramos, "There is a certain likelihood you are a danger". Mr. Ramos did not speak and showed no emotion, staring into the camera and blinking occasionally.

The New York Times

"This study, without compromising the physical integrity of the roll, has not merely discovered traces of the ink inside it, but has also helped identify with a certain likelihood the style of handwriting used in the text, along with its author," the authors write.

The Guardian

These compounds are reproductive toxicants with a certain likelihood of endocrine disruption.

Environmental Sciences Europe

"There's a certain likelihood that this will not work out all right, that something will go wrong.

BBC

Because pollen grains are not uniformly distributed on a leaf, some segments of the larval population will encounter pollen densities higher than average with a certain likelihood.

Environmental Sciences Europe

Or, to turn the equation around: How large a band do you have to draw around today's price to have a certain likelihood (say, 95%) of including tomorrow's price?

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

In this setting, a price dispersion equilibrium is possible only when there exists a positive (though not certain) likelihood of a consumer observing only one price.16 The characterization of the equilibrium utility distribution in mixed strategies implies that the supermarket should be indifferent about what level of utility to set in the support of L u) (Burdett and Judd 1983).

SERIEs

The U.K. startup scene isn't known for being so publicly partisan, and with the U.K. general election on a knife edge, and the almost certain likelihood of a minority or coalition government and the real possibility that the incumbent Conservatives could leave office, the stakes couldn't be higher.

TechCrunch

A new geometric interpretation of certain likelihood equations is given in terms of a semi-inner product.

Journal of Statistical Distributions and Applications

Consequently, if people with a certain innate likelihood of being mobile tend to settle in particular areas, failing to account for the geographical clustering of ethnic groups could result in misleading conclusions about ethnic differences in mobility.

IZA Journal of Migration

It is of great help if grouped symptoms are associated with certain likelihood for the infection.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a certain likelihood", ensure the context clearly indicates the event or outcome being discussed. Providing specific data or conditions can strengthen the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain likelihood" when the outcome is highly uncertain or speculative. Choose phrases that better reflect the level of probability, such as "a possible outcome" or "a potential scenario".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain likelihood" functions as a noun phrase, indicating the existence of some degree of probability without specifying an exact value. The phrase is often used to introduce a possibility or risk, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a certain likelihood" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that expresses a notable, though not necessarily quantifiable, chance of something occurring. Ludwig AI identifies it as being used in neutral register across contexts like News & Media and Science. While not as common as other probability phrases, its precise usage offers a valuable way to express potential outcomes. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the event and avoid overstating the degree of certainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific probability

Replaces "likelihood" with "probability", suggesting a more quantifiable chance.

a definite possibility

Shifts the focus to possibility rather than probability, implying a real chance of occurrence.

a distinct chance

Highlights the clear and noticeable nature of the chance.

a reasonable prospect

Emphasizes the sensible and realistic nature of the expectation.

a considerable probability

Indicates a noteworthy level of likelihood.

a plausible scenario

Focuses on the believability and feasibility of the situation.

a realistic possibility

Stresses the grounded and practical nature of the potential outcome.

a good possibility

Expresses an optimistic assessment of the likelihood.

a strong possibility

Indicates a significant or powerful chance of happening.

a fair chance

Suggests an equitable and reasonable opportunity.

FAQs

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

You can use "a certain likelihood" to express that there is a notable chance or probability of something occurring. For example, "There is "a certain likelihood" that the project will be delayed due to unforeseen circumstances."

What phrases can I use instead of "a certain likelihood"?

Alternatives to "a certain likelihood" include "a specific probability", "a distinct chance", or "a reasonable prospect". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "a certain likelihood" or "a certain probability"?

Both "a certain likelihood" and "a certain probability" are valid, but "probability" is often used in more formal or technical contexts, while "likelihood" can be used more broadly.

How does "a certain likelihood" differ from "a definite likelihood"?

"A certain likelihood" suggests a notable chance, while "a definite likelihood" implies a higher degree of certainty or that the chance is well-established and clear.