a significant likelihood of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant likelihood of" 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 of rain tomorrow, so you may want to bring an umbrella."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 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

In sum, I find that the bulk of the Polaroid factors demonstrate that there is a significant likelihood of confusion that warrants the granting of a preliminary injunction.

Harvard University

In sum, it simply cannot be said that “many of [the acts of infringement] affected by the congressional enactment have a significant likelihood of being unconstitutional.” Id., at 532.

Cornell University

It therefore is important to evaluate more formal error mitigation and process analysis methods of industrial engineering to more optimally focus available QA resources on process components that have a significant likelihood of compromising patient safety or treatment outcomes.

International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics

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

43 human-written examples

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

Only self-reported "suicidal ideations or thoughts", and insomnia or hypersomnia were associated with a statistically significant likelihood of depression diagnosis by physicians in participants meeting the PHQ-9 criteria for depression when we controlled for demographic characteristics, and the number of chronic medical conditions.

BMC Family Practice

The European Union has set up a taskforce to prepare for a no-deal Brexit as officials say there is a "significant likelihood" that Britain could crash out of the bloc following a collapse of Theresa May's government.

The Times

The zip option test had a significant likelihood ratio test for an alpha of zero, suggesting that ZINB regression was more appropriate than ZIP regression.

Agricultural and Food Economics

Only analyses with a significant likelihood ratio test and no interaction of group with either sex or education were reported.

Clinical interventions in aging

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a significant likelihood of", ensure that the context clearly defines what the potential outcome is and why it is considered significant.

Common error

Avoid using "a significant likelihood of" when the evidence is weak or speculative. Ensure your claims are supported by credible data or informed analysis to prevent misleading readers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant likelihood of" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun, typically referring to an event or outcome. It indicates that there is a notable probability or chance that something will occur. Ludwig confirms this is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

33%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a significant likelihood of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate a notable probability. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's suitable for formal writing, particularly in scientific, news, and academic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity about the potential outcome and support your claim with credible evidence. Be mindful of overstating uncertainty and consider alternatives such as ""a substantial probability of"" or ""a notable chance of"" to fine-tune your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a substantial probability of

Emphasizes the degree of probability more strongly than the original phrase.

a notable chance of

Highlights the prominence or noticeability of the chance.

a considerable risk of

Focuses on the potential negative consequences or danger associated with the likelihood.

a high degree of probability for

Uses more formal language to express a high level of certainty.

a marked possibility of

Indicates that the possibility is clearly noticeable or evident.

a strong potential for

Highlights the inherent capacity for something to occur or develop.

a distinct prospect of

Suggests that the outcome is clearly defined and foreseeable.

an appreciable likelihood of

Emphasizes that the likelihood is significant and worth considering.

a tangible probability of

Implies that the probability is concrete and readily apparent.

a realistic expectation of

Presents the likelihood as a reasonable and justifiable anticipation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a significant likelihood of" to indicate that there's a notable chance something will happen. For example, "There is "a significant likelihood of" rain tomorrow".

What are some alternatives to "a significant likelihood of"?

Some alternatives include "a substantial probability of", "a notable chance of", or "a considerable risk of", depending on the specific context.

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

Both "significant likelihood" and "high probability" are correct, but they might suit different tones. "Significant likelihood" can feel slightly more formal, while "high probability" is generally more straightforward. The best choice depends on the overall style and audience.

When is it inappropriate to use "a significant likelihood of"?

It is inappropriate to use "a significant likelihood of" when the chance of something happening is very small or negligible. Using it in such cases could be misleading and overstate the potential for that event.