a low probability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a low probability' is correct and usable in written English.
It typically means that something is likely to have a small or minimal chance of occurring. For example, "Given the current situation, there is a low probability that the project will be completed on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

That's a low probability event.

Cornell University

"I think it's such a low probability.

The New York Times

I'd put a low probability on them easing".

The New York Times

Risk assessments deem each such event a low probability, Mr. Thompson said.

The New York Times - Health

Philadelphia's lower bond rating still signifies a low probability of default.

The New York Times

But even a low probability event may represent an unacceptable risk.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Is crime a low-probability danger?

The New York Times

Each scenario is a low-probability event.

The Guardian - Opinion

We believe this is a low-probability event.

The Guardian - Business

"That would be a low-probability event," he said.

The New York Times

So this is a low-probability, high-risk event.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing risk, pair "a low probability" with a discussion of potential consequences. Even unlikely events can warrant attention if the impact is significant.

Common error

Avoid using "a low probability" when you actually mean something is impossible. "Low probability" suggests it's unlikely but still could happen, while impossible means it cannot happen.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a low probability" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It quantifies the likelihood of an event or situation, indicating a small chance of occurrence. Ludwig confirms this usage with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

41%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a low probability" is a frequently used phrase to describe an event with a small chance of happening. Grammatically correct and widely accepted, it appears predominantly in news, science, and business contexts. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase serves to express uncertainty and assess risk. While alternatives like "a slight chance" or "an unlikely event" exist, it's important to distinguish between low probability and impossibility. Remember to consider the potential consequences even when dealing with events of low probability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small likelihood

Simply swaps "low" for "small", keeping the original meaning close.

an unlikely event

Directly states the event is not likely to happen, simplifying the phrase.

a slight chance

Replaces "probability" with "chance" and uses "slight" to convey a similar degree of possibility.

a minimal likelihood

Substitutes "probability" with "likelihood" and "low" with "minimal", maintaining the same meaning.

an improbable scenario

Emphasizes the unlikelihood of a specific situation unfolding.

a remote possibility

Emphasizes the unlikeliness with "remote" instead of "low", altering the nuance slightly.

a negligible prospect

Replaces "probability" with "prospect" and "low" with "negligible", highlighting insignificance.

a slim hope

Uses "hope" instead of "probability", implying a desired outcome with little chance of realization.

a limited potential

Replaces "probability" with "potential" indicating restricted possibility.

a rare occurrence

Shifts the focus to the infrequency of an event rather than its probabilistic nature.

FAQs

How can I use "a low probability" in a sentence?

Use "a low probability" to describe an event that is unlikely to occur. For example, "There is "a low probability" of rain tomorrow".

What are some alternatives to saying "a low probability"?

You can use phrases like "a slight chance", "an unlikely event", or "a minimal likelihood" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "a less probability" instead of "a low probability"?

No, "a less probability" is not grammatically correct. The correct phrase is ""a low probability"", or you could say "a lower probability" if comparing two probabilities.

What's the difference between "a low probability" and "a high probability"?

"A low probability" indicates that an event is unlikely to happen, while "a high probability" suggests that an event is very likely to occur. They are opposite in meaning.