a significant probability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant probability" 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 significant probability that the experiment will yield positive results based on the preliminary data."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

However, he said there was a "significant probability" that the world would have its warmest year, beating the mark set in 2014.

The Guardian

"There is a significant probability of an impact to Houston that hasn't been experienced in 25 years, with widespread power outages, damage from trees falling and tornadoes possible," he said.

The New York Times

If given a chance at a software tying case, Mr. Lessig added, "it is my view that there is a significant probability that the Supreme Court will modify current doctrine".

The New York Times

Current action is much too weak to reduce emissions by enough to avoid a significant probability of the global average temperature rising by more than 2C above its pre-industrial level by the end of this century.

The Guardian - Opinion

You don't have to be sure about this; just a significant probability is enough.For more fun, have a look at this new research on oceanic methane stores.

The Economist

A 2-year study completed last summer by the Office of Technology Assessment, a non-partisan congressional research agency, concludes that "there would be a significant probability that the first (& presumably only)time the ballistic missle defense system[was] used in a real war, it would suffer a catastrophic failure".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

And according to a study by two finance professors, Josef Lakonishok of the University of Illinois and Seymour Smidt of Cornell, the evidence is quite weak for believing that any given month has a statistically significant probability of showing either gains or losses more than half the time.

The New York Times

Many business people, when they see events like the floods in Australia, will ask, "Do we know it's caused by climate change?" Unfortunately, the best answer scientists can give is, "Well no, but there is a statistically significant probability that this event falls within our predictions".

Huffington Post

Therefore, under this hypothesis too, which actually seems extremely restrictive, we obtain a highly significant probability.

Biology Direct

Statistical analyses were performed using the IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 20.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA), considering a statistically significant probability (P) value of 5% or less.

BioMed Research International

This indicated that extroversion personality levels did not outweigh the experience of moderate to strong pain, but there was a statistically significant probability that absence of neuroticism did [ 24].

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a significant probability", ensure the context provides sufficient information about what constitutes 'significant' in that situation. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "a significant probability" when the actual likelihood is only marginally above average. Overstating the probability can mislead your audience and weaken your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant probability" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It quantifies the likelihood of a particular event or outcome. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

64%

News & Media

17%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a significant probability" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote a noteworthy likelihood of an event. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across diverse fields. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, this phrase serves to inform or persuade, typically within formal settings. Remember to ensure the context clarifies the degree of significance to avoid ambiguity. Consider using alternatives like "high likelihood" or "considerable chance" for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a high likelihood

Focuses on the chance of something happening; swaps 'probability' for 'likelihood' and 'significant' for 'high'.

a considerable chance

Emphasizes the possibility of an event, using 'chance' instead of 'probability' and 'considerable' for 'significant'.

a substantial likelihood

Similar to 'a high likelihood', this option conveys a notable degree of probability.

a strong likelihood

Similar to 'a high likelihood', indicating a considerable chance.

a notable possibility

Highlights that something might occur and uses 'notable' instead of 'significant'.

a marked probability

Implies that the probability is easily observed or stands out. 'Marked' replaces 'significant'.

an appreciable probability

Indicates that the probability is large enough to be noticed or considered. Uses 'appreciable' instead of 'significant'.

a distinct possibility

Suggests a clear and definite chance of something occurring.

a good chance

This is a more informal expression indicating a likely outcome. Differs in formality.

a real prospect

Shifts the focus to the potential for something to happen in the future, suggesting feasibility.

FAQs

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

Use "a significant probability" to indicate a considerable likelihood of something occurring. For example: "There is "a significant probability" that the project will be delayed due to unforeseen circumstances."

What phrases can I use instead of "a significant probability"?

You can use alternatives like "high likelihood", "considerable chance", or "substantial likelihood" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a significant probability" or "a statistically significant probability"?

"A statistically significant probability" implies a result that is unlikely to have occurred by chance, often used in research. "A significant probability" is more general and indicates a notable likelihood.

What does "a significant probability" imply about the likelihood of an event?

It suggests that the event is more likely to occur than not, though it doesn't necessarily mean it's certain. The level of significance can vary depending on the context.