a small likelihood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small likelihood" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the probability of an event occurring, indicating that the chance is minimal. Example: "There is a small likelihood that it will rain tomorrow, so you might want to bring an umbrella just in case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

And such a suit has only a small likelihood of success because the board will again hide behind its new chief executive and his plans.

The New York Times

They are called "forbidden" because, according to the rules of quantum mechanics, the atomic transitions from higher to lower energy states responsible for lines have only a small likelihood of occurring under normal laboratory conditions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"I thought, 'I've got to get him.' " Lin was an ideal candidate for the Montgomery Sports Group — a player with a big ceiling and a small likelihood of attracting larger agencies, who are not likely to dwell on Ivy Leaguers.

The New York Times - Sports

The small variation of the measurements over the gestational age range relevant to device implantation for the major indications of the device (for complete heart block complicated by hydrops and for bradycardia risk after fetal surgery or intrauterine intervention) predicts a small likelihood of these failure modes.

The American Journal of Cardiology

In addition, he is 80 years old, so prosecutors may have concluded that there was little upside to a guilty plea when there was only a small likelihood that a person of his stature and professional background would receive a prison sentence.

The New York Times

If you are a Portuguese saver with money in the bank, even if there is a small likelihood of losing that money, it would make perfect sense to move euro deposits while you can to a safer haven, like the Netherlands and Germany.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Every single condition for a democratic transition at the national level seems to be at hand: a popular disgust for the PRI, a lust for change, a feeling of freedom, a smaller likelihood of large-scale fraud and an opposition leader who radiates brio with every oversize step he takes.

The New York Times - Magazine

Within these groupings, there will be less variation in quality and consequently a smaller likelihood that the results are simply picking up this correlation.

Agricultural and Food Economics

A greater frequency of the business activities between SMEs and leading enterprises reveals the strength of the competitiveness of the SMEs, as well as a smaller likelihood of default.  .

Financial Innovation

For creative projects that can span weeks or months, focusing on insights and strategy first ensures a smaller likelihood that you'll be asked to switch gears mid-project or make drastic changes at the client's request that would impact the project's effectiveness and ultimately its return on investment.

Forbes

That's a smaller likelihood of acceptance than at Harvard, the country's second-most exclusive school, where only 5.79percentt of applicants were offered a spot this year.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a small likelihood", ensure the context clearly conveys the minimal possibility of the event. If precision is needed, consider using numerical probabilities or more specific qualifiers.

Common error

Avoid using "a small likelihood" when the event is virtually impossible. This phrase implies some possibility, however minimal, so choose stronger terms like "no chance" or "impossible" if appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small likelihood" functions as a qualifier expressing a low degree of probability or chance. It modifies a noun (often an event or outcome) by indicating that its occurrence is improbable. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

56%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a small likelihood" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate a low probability or chance of an event occurring. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for various contexts, especially in news, science, and general discourse. When employing the phrase, ensure the context accurately reflects the minimal possibility and choose stronger terms if the event is virtually impossible. Alternatives include "a slim likelihood", "a slight possibility", and "a minimal chance". The phrase is typically neutral in register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slim likelihood

Replaces "small" with "slim", emphasizing the slightness of the chance.

a slight possibility

Substitutes "likelihood" with "possibility", focusing on the potential rather than probability.

a minimal chance

Replaces "small likelihood" with "minimal chance", highlighting the reduced probability.

a low probability

Uses the more formal term "probability" instead of "likelihood", maintaining the same meaning.

a negligible prospect

Emphasizes that the likelihood is so small that is not worth concerning about

a remote possibility

Suggests the chance is distant or unlikely to occur.

a faint chance

Emphasizes the weakness or unlikelihood of the opportunity.

a reduced probability

Indicates that the probability has been lessened or decreased.

an unlikely event

Shifts the focus to the event itself being improbable.

a distant prospect

Highlights the remoteness of the possibility.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small likelihood" to describe an event that is improbable. For example: "There is "a small likelihood" of rain today, so you probably won't need an umbrella."

What's the difference between "a small likelihood" and "a slight chance"?

While both phrases express low probability, "a small likelihood" emphasizes the overall improbability, while "a slight chance" may focus more on the mere existence of a possibility, however minimal.

What can I say instead of "a small likelihood"?

You can use alternatives like "a slim likelihood", "a slight possibility", or "a minimal chance" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "there is a small likelihood that"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "there is "a small likelihood" that". This phrasing is commonly used to introduce an event or outcome with low probability.