a significant likelihood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant likelihood" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the probability or chance of an event occurring, particularly in formal or analytical contexts. Example: "There is a significant likelihood that the project will be completed ahead of schedule, given the current progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Dr Andrew Watkins, manager of the bureau's climate prediction services, told the assembled media: "Computer model forecasts show a significant likelihood of a La Niña in 2010".

The Guardian

Sufficient climate evidence now indicates a significant likelihood of increased greenhouse summer warming, with the additional possibility of increased frequency of heat waves.

The New York Times

S&P cut Royal Dutch Shell's credit rating at the beginning of the month, and warned of a "significant likelihood" it would cut the ratings of several other European oil majors.

The Guardian - Business

The company specifically noted that it had received legal advice that an Oracle takeover of PeopleSoft, "would result in a lengthy regulatory approval process and a significant likelihood that the combination would not be approved".

The New York Times

In a confidential memo in May, the Office of Special Counsel, which handles federal workplace grievances, found a "significant likelihood" that the devices posed "a substantial and specific danger to public safety" as the scientists had warned.

The New York Times

In evidence to Chilcot, he referred to meetings in Washington in July and August 2002 but said he did not conclude there was a significant likelihood of military action until "much later".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

34 In the reported Heckman model, a rho value of –0.3257 and a statistically significant likelihood ratio test indicates correlation between the two-part model and the presence of selection.

ClinicoEconomics and Outcomes Research

Seven of the 12 BC families presented high-ovulating ewes (at least one record ≥ 4) and segregation analysis yielded a highly significant likelihood ratio as compared to an empirical test distribution.

Genetics, Selection, Evolution

The interaction term between unwanted pregnancy and socio-economic status exhibited a statistically significant likelihood ratio test with p value of 0.015.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

On the other hand, the interaction term between unwanted pregnancy and socio-economic status on breastfeeding duration exhibited a statistically significant likelihood ratio test with p value of 0.0486 (Table 2 and 3).

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Choosing the game with the highest variance (0/400 Naira) is associated with a higher, but not statistically significant likelihood of ever having a blood test.

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a significant likelihood" in formal writing when you want to convey a notable possibility without stating a definitive outcome. It's suitable for scenarios where quantification is difficult but the chance is more than negligible.

Common error

Avoid using "a significant likelihood" when a certainty exists or when the probability is negligible. Overstating the likelihood can mislead the reader and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant likelihood" functions as a noun phrase that describes the degree of probability of an event or situation. It's used to convey that there is a noticeable chance of something happening. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment, indicating its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a significant likelihood" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote a notable possibility or chance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English, and examples show it's common in science, news, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the level of likelihood aligns with the context, and consider alternatives like ""a strong possibility"" or ""a considerable chance"" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a strong likelihood

Indicates the strength or intensity of the likelihood.

a considerable chance

Emphasizes the amount or degree of chance, making it noticeable.

a notable probability

Highlights the remarkableness or importance of the probability.

a substantial possibility

Indicates a solid or real chance of something occurring.

a distinct possibility

Highlights the clarity and recognizability of the chance.

a high degree of probability

Focuses on the extent to which something is likely.

a marked chance

Suggests a noticeable or evident possibility.

a real prospect

Indicates that the possibility is genuine and tangible.

a definite prospect

Implies a clear and distinct possibility for the future.

a tangible chance

Suggests the chance is something that can be realistically considered.

FAQs

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

Use "a significant likelihood" to indicate a notable possibility of something occurring. For example, "There is "a significant likelihood" that the meeting will be postponed."

What are some alternatives to "a significant likelihood"?

You can use alternatives like "a strong possibility", "a high probability", or "a considerable chance" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "significant likelihood" or "high probability"?

Both phrases are correct, but ""a significant likelihood"" may imply a less precise estimation compared to "high probability", which suggests a more quantifiable assessment.

In what context is "a significant likelihood" most appropriate?

"A significant likelihood" is well-suited for formal or analytical contexts where a noticeable possibility needs to be expressed without overstating the certainty.