a probability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a probability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the likelihood or chance of an event occurring. Example: "There is a probability that it will rain tomorrow, so we should bring umbrellas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm a probability advocate.

The New York Times

Each solution is assigned a probability.

Independent

It's a probability not a certainty.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It's not a possibility, it's a probability.

The Guardian

So it's a probability density.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But it's not a probability.

Cornell University

Woodbury, M. A. On a probability distribution.

Nature

You don't get A, a probability density.

Cornell University

Let's say I assign a probability of 50% to that.

The Guardian - Tech

History suggests a probability but not a certainty.

The New York Times - Sports

I can't assign a probability to any one of those".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the likelihood of an event, ensure that you provide context or supporting evidence for the assigned "a probability". For example, specify the data or model used to derive the probability.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a probability" as a certainty. Always acknowledge the inherent uncertainty and potential for error, especially when making predictions or forecasts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a probability" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It represents a quantifiable measure of the likelihood of an event occurring. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

33%

Academia

28%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a probability" is a noun phrase used to express the likelihood of an event occurring, and it is considered grammatically correct by Ludwig AI. Its usage spans various contexts, including science, news, and academia, indicating its versatility. The phrase is prevalent in authoritative sources like The New York Times and Nature, highlighting its acceptance in formal writing. When using "a probability", it's important to provide adequate context and avoid overstating the likelihood of an event. Alternatives such as "a chance" or "a likelihood" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a chance

Replaces "probability" with a more informal term indicating the possibility of an event.

a likelihood

Substitutes "probability" with a synonym that emphasizes the state of being likely to happen.

a prospect

Replaces "probability" with a term suggesting a possibility or expectation for the future.

a possibility

Uses a broader term indicating that something could occur, without specifying the degree of likelihood.

a likelihood assessment

Adds "assessment" to emphasize the evaluation or judgment of the probability.

a statistical chance

Adds "statistical" to highlight a quantifiable or data-driven probability.

a degree of certainty

Shifts the focus from probability to the level of confidence in an outcome.

a plausible scenario

Replaces "probability" with a term emphasizing the believability or feasibility of a situation.

an expectation

Indicates a belief that something will happen, which can be based on probability.

a foreseeable outcome

Emphasizes the ability to predict or anticipate a result, related to its probability.

FAQs

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

You can use "a probability" to describe the likelihood of an event occurring. For example, "There is "a probability" of rain tomorrow" or "The model assigns "a probability" to each possible outcome".

What's the difference between "a probability" and "a possibility"?

"A possibility" indicates that something could happen, while ""a probability"" quantifies how likely it is to happen. A possibility is less specific than "a probability".

What are some alternatives to using "a probability" in writing?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a chance", "a likelihood", or "a prospect" to convey a similar meaning as ""a probability"".

Is it correct to say "the probability is 100%"?

Yes, it is correct to say "the probability is 100%" or ""a probability" of 1", which indicates certainty. It means the event is guaranteed to occur. However, in real-world scenarios, absolute certainty is often difficult to achieve.