a great likelihood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a great likelihood" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the probability or chance of something occurring. Example: "Given the current trends in the market, there is a great likelihood that sales will increase next quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Mr. Vinroot said today that there was "a great likelihood" that he would run.

The New York Times

"If those hearings had taken place, there is a great likelihood all the seats would have been filled, and we wouldn't be having this conversation.

The New York Times

Her conclusion is that it has never been a better time for a woman to start a business, and that those started by older entrepreneurs have a great likelihood of success.

The New York Times

Step by step, Sara ended up on a fourth round of chemotherapy, one with a minuscule likelihood of altering the course of her disease and a great likelihood of causing debilitating side effects.

The New Yorker

So he advises that for diversification alone, investors should keep holding onto bonds and other carefully selected fixed-income instruments; in addition, there is a great likelihood that inflation will stay low and longer-term rates will be constrained, which would be beneficial for fixed-income prices.

The New York Times

There is a great likelihood that someone on the decision making board is embarrassed by her victimization.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

But, to some degree, it likely also reflects a greater likelihood of an initial wrongful conviction.

The New Yorker

But, to some degree, it likely also reflects a greater likelihood of an initial wrongful convic­tion".

The Guardian

This pressure creates a greater likelihood of convicting the wrong person.

The New Yorker

The symptoms resemble those of a cerebral abscess, but there is a greater likelihood of seizures.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Higher levels of gamma radiation were associated with a greater likelihood of children developing leukaemia.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a great likelihood" when you want to emphasize a strong probability based on available evidence. This phrase is suitable for formal writing and professional communication where precision is important.

Common error

Avoid using "a great likelihood" when the evidence is weak or speculative. Overusing this phrase can make your claims sound more definitive than they are, potentially undermining your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a great likelihood" functions as a noun phrase that expresses the degree of probability or chance of a particular event or outcome. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in formal statements, indicating a strong possibility.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a great likelihood" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate a strong possibility. As per Ludwig AI, this phrase is suitable for formal writing and professional communication, particularly in contexts such as news, science, and encyclopedias. While "a great likelihood" is a versatile phrase, remember that you can enrich your writing with alternatives like "high probability" or "strong possibility", always considering the specific nuances you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highly likely

Simplifies the phrase to a two-word adjective-adverb combination with the same meaning.

very probable

Synonymous alternative, replacing "likely" with "probable" and "great" with "very".

a high probability

Replaces "great likelihood" with "high probability", focusing on the statistical aspect.

substantial chance

Replaces "great" with "substantial", indicating a significant degree of likelihood.

a strong possibility

Substitutes "likelihood" with "possibility", conveying a similar level of chance.

a distinct chance

Uses "distinct chance" instead of "great likelihood", implying a clear and noticeable possibility.

a good prospect

Replaces the focus on probability with the idea of a favorable outlook.

realistic expectation

Frames the likelihood as a grounded expectation rather than a mere possibility.

a significant risk

Shifts the perspective to the potential negative outcome, framing it as a noteworthy risk.

a considerable potential

Emphasizes the potential for something to happen, rather than the simple likelihood.

FAQs

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

You can use "a great likelihood" to express a strong possibility. For instance, "There is "a great likelihood" that the project will be completed on time given the current progress".

What is a good alternative to "a great likelihood"?

Alternatives to "a great likelihood" include "high probability", "strong possibility", or "highly likely".

Is "a great likelihood" formal or informal?

"A great likelihood" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for professional and academic contexts. In informal settings, simpler alternatives like "very likely" may be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "a great likelihood" and "a slight likelihood"?

"A great likelihood" indicates a high probability of something occurring, while "a slight likelihood" suggests a low probability. They represent opposite ends of the probability spectrum.