a low probability that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a low probability that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the likelihood or chance of an event occurring, particularly in statistical or analytical contexts. Example: "There is a low probability that it will rain tomorrow, according to the weather forecast."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

The interval that has a great belief interval will be chosen since the belief function determines a low probability that is gained through the minimum available data.

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

There may be a low probability that introduced transcription factors, metabolic enzymes, and insect control proteins may interact based on their differing modes of action.

Critical Reviews in Toxicology

To summarize this aspect, there is a low probability that (weighted) TR removes a true edge within a negative feed-forward loop and neglecting edge signs in TR will therefore have only minor impact on the reconstruction quality.

BMC Systems Biology

The EIU said there was a low probability that Britain would vote to leave the EU in June, but there would be a high impact if it happened.

The Guardian - Business

And even if a bill is passed, there is a low probability that a bill which is hostile to Fannie and Freddie will be passed.

The New York Times

But with the help of the planner, on Fidelity's Web site, www.fidelity.com/retire, he found a low probability that his portfolio would sustain his and his wife's expenses after he stopped working.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

"But there is a very low probability that a full-scale war will break out …due to the superior military capability of South Korea and the US".

The Guardian

However, there is a very low probability that a small number of bases might be wrong.

BMC Genomics

There is a very low probability that a transposable element insertion occurs twice independently at an exact orthologous position in two distinct genomes.

Genome Biology and Evolution

The number of requirements (some of which are very stringent) results in a very low probability that they will all be met.

The New York Times

"We believe there is a very low probability that someone could be abnormal on all those parameters unless they were taking EPO," he said, explaining that the initial phase of testing showed that the chance of a faulty test was one in 100,000.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing statistical data or research findings, use "a low probability that" to accurately convey a small likelihood without implying impossibility.

Common error

Avoid using "a low probability that" when the event is demonstrably impossible; instead, opt for phrases that indicate impossibility or certainty of non-occurrence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a low probability that" functions as a qualifier, specifically indicating a small likelihood or chance that a particular event or outcome will occur. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

68%

News & Media

26%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a low probability that" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase for expressing a small likelihood or chance. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as a qualifier, commonly found in science, news media, and formal business contexts. While synonymous with phrases like "a slim chance that" or "a small likelihood that", it's crucial to ensure the event is genuinely improbable rather than impossible, maintaining accuracy in communication. Remember to use this phrase when you want to temper expectations and accurately reflect a small chance of an event occurring.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight chance that

Replaces "probability" with "chance", emphasizing the possibility aspect, but still conveys a small likelihood.

a small likelihood that

Substitutes "probability" with "likelihood", offering a more direct synonym while maintaining the same level of formality.

a slim chance that

Uses "slim" to intensify the idea of a small chance, suggesting an even lower possibility.

a remote possibility that

Emphasizes the unlikelihood by using "remote", suggesting the event is unlikely to happen.

little prospect that

Shifts focus to "prospect", indicating a reduced anticipation or expectation of something happening.

unlikely that

A more concise way of conveying the same meaning, using a simple adjective to express the improbability.

scant hope that

Implies that there is barely any hope regarding the event.

a negligible possibility that

Highlights that the possibility is so small that it is nearly unimportant.

a minimal risk that

Frames the statement in terms of "risk", highlighting a very small danger or hazard.

a faint hope that

Suggests that there is only a small degree of hope that something will occur.

FAQs

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

You can use "a low probability that" to describe events with a small chance of occurring. For example, "There is "a low probability that" the project will be delayed due to the team's dedication".

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

Alternatives include "a slim chance that", "a small likelihood that", or "unlikely that". The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more accurate to say "a low probability that" or "a small possibility that"?

Both phrases are generally interchangeable, but ""a low probability that"" is often used in more formal, statistical, or scientific contexts, while "a small possibility that" is more common in everyday language.

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

"A low probability that" indicates a small chance, while "a negligible probability that" suggests the chance is so small it can be effectively disregarded. The latter implies a near-zero likelihood.