a reasonable likelihood that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a reasonable likelihood that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to express the probability or chance of something occurring. Example: "There is a reasonable likelihood that the project will be completed on time, given the current progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

He said there was a "reasonable likelihood" that the afternoon fight and the evening shooting were connected.

The New York Times

There is a reasonable likelihood that the cases will be settled with a payment and promise not to act improperly again.

The New York Times

While I respect that view, my feeling is that if I'm voting against you, it's because I believe there's a reasonable likelihood that you cheated the game.

The New York Times - Sports

"Given how fast the situation deteriorated, there's a reasonable likelihood that the company was using its financing business and other mechanisms to bolster revenue," said Gibboney Huske, an analyst at Credit Suisse First Boston.

The New York Times

They pointed to a clause in the Deutsche Borse merger agreement that permitted NYSE Euronext to allow other bidders to conduct due diligence if "there is a reasonable likelihood that such a proposal could constitute a superior proposal".

The New York Times

The Obama administration lowered the requirement to 65 percent for Maine, after finding "a reasonable likelihood" that the tougher standard would drive one big carrier out of the market for individuals, leaving thousands without insurance.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

"Surely you remember that Smith-Kline Beecham Pharmaceuticals donated an endowed chair to the department and that there is some reasonable likelihood that Janssen Pharmaceuticals will do so as well," he wrote.

The New York Times - Health

Judge Honn also concluded that there was reasonable likelihood that the harm would recur or continue and that there was a reasonable probability that the state bar would prevail on the merits of the underlying disciplinary matter.

The New York Times

When a trial produces overwhelmingly null results, there is a danger of overemphasising any significant findings, but consideration of the salient factors shows that the two significant interaction terms are not robust, with reasonable likelihood that they reflect chance effects resulting from the additional inclusion criteria applied in the secondary analyses.

British Medical Journal

The appellate court, in fact, took great pains to suggest that "a reasonable likelihood" exists that Mr. Friedman may have been wrongfully convicted.

The New York Times

"I think there's a fair likelihood that it happened".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a reasonable likelihood that", ensure the context clearly establishes what factors contribute to that likelihood. Providing supporting evidence or reasoning strengthens the statement's credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "a reasonable likelihood that" when the situation involves mere speculation or wishful thinking. It implies a degree of probability supported by evidence, so ensure your assessment is grounded in facts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a reasonable likelihood that" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying an implied clause. It indicates the degree of probability of a certain event or outcome, acting as an assessment of its chances of occurring. Ludwig shows how it is used across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

28%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a reasonable likelihood that" is a versatile phrase used to express a moderate degree of probability across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. Ludwig indicates that it's grammatically sound and effective for conveying informed assessments of potential outcomes. Remember to provide context and avoid overstating certainty when using this phrase. Alternatives like "a good chance that" or "a significant possibility that" can be used to adjust the level of formality or emphasis, as needed. The phrase strikes a balance between speculation and certainty, making it valuable for informed communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a credible likelihood that

Highlights the believability of the stated probability.

a significant probability that

Emphasizes a greater degree of probability compared to "reasonable".

a strong indication that

Suggests evidence points towards a particular outcome.

a substantial possibility that

Highlights the tangibility or reality of the possibility.

a distinct possibility that

Indicates a clear and noticeable chance.

a good chance that

More informal and suggests a favorable possibility.

a credible prospect that

Highlights the reliability and trustworthiness of the expectation.

a plausible scenario that

Focuses on the believability and feasibility of the outcome.

a realistic expectation that

Emphasizes the grounded and practical nature of the anticipation.

a fair bet that

An informal expression suggesting a reasonable degree of confidence.

FAQs

What does "a reasonable likelihood that" mean?

The phrase "a reasonable likelihood that" indicates there's a notable possibility or chance of something happening, supported by some evidence or logical reasoning, but without absolute certainty.

How can I use "a reasonable likelihood that" in a sentence?

You can use it to express the probability of an event based on available information. For instance, "There's "a reasonable likelihood that" the company will expand next year, given their current growth rate".

What are some alternatives to "a reasonable likelihood that"?

You can use alternatives like "a good chance that", "a significant possibility that", or "a credible prospect that" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "a reasonable likelihood that" and "a possibility that"?

"A reasonable likelihood that" implies a higher degree of probability than simply "a possibility that". It suggests that there's a tangible basis for expecting the event to occur, whereas "a possibility that" is more general.