a substantial likelihood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantial likelihood" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to express a significant chance or probability of something occurring. Example: "There is a substantial likelihood that the project will be completed ahead of schedule if we maintain our current pace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

She said there was a "substantial likelihood" of wrongful arrests.

The New York Times

They see "a substantial likelihood of a sharp downturn in the United States".

The New Yorker

"There is a substantial likelihood that officers will wrongfully arrest legal resident aliens," she wrote.

The New York Times

In December of that year, a federal judge in Seattle issued an injunction against Barnesandnoble, ruling that Amazon had a substantial likelihood of prevailing in its suit.

The New York Times

Surveying medical opinion on the subject, Justice Breyer said there was a "substantial likelihood" that the method at issue was "a safer abortion method in certain circumstances".

The New York Times

He said the new guidance should be applied to those cases if practicable when there was a "substantial likelihood" that it would make more material public.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Mr. Callan, Mr. Jovanovic's lawyer, said that if the case is retried, there is a "very substantial likelihood of an acquittal".

The New York Times

The second model, on wave 2 current smoking (table 4, section b), shows an expectedly substantial likelihood of being a current smoker in wave 2 for current smokers in wave 1, regardless of SRO history.

BMJ Open

We can as outside observers draw the conclusion that there is a fairly substantial likelihood that this Ban Chiang material could be considered stolen property under U.S. law".

The New York Times - Arts

This limited investigation of buildings in the greater Boston area suggests that there is a very substantial likelihood that buildings may contain PCB-laden caulking at levels that triggered comprehensive remediation measures mandated by U.S. EPA.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Although it does not have investigative powers, it conducts in-depth interviews with whistle-blowers to determine whether their complaints meet a standard of "substantial likelihood".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a substantial likelihood", ensure the context clearly indicates what the potential outcome or event is. Providing specific details strengthens the statement's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a substantial likelihood" when the outcome is already known or highly predictable. The phrase is best suited for situations where there is significant, but not absolute, certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial likelihood" functions as a noun phrase that indicates a significant probability or chance of something occurring. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, and examples show it qualifying various future events or outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a substantial likelihood" is a versatile phrase used to express a significant degree of probability, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It appears frequently in news, scientific, and formal business contexts, indicating a measured assessment of potential outcomes. While grammatically correct and widely used, it's important to ensure the context warrants its use and to avoid overstating certainty. Consider alternatives like "a considerable probability" or "a significant chance" for nuanced expression. By understanding its function and appropriate contexts, writers can effectively use "a substantial likelihood" to convey probabilistic information with clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considerable probability

Replaces "likelihood" with "probability" and "substantial" with "considerable", emphasizing a significant degree of chance.

a significant chance

Uses "chance" instead of "likelihood", making the phrase more informal while retaining the core meaning.

a high probability

Focuses on the elevated level of probability, simplifying the wording.

a strong possibility

Substitutes "likelihood" with "possibility" and "substantial" with "strong", offering a slightly less formal alternative.

a distinct possibility

Emphasizes that the possibility is clear and noticeable.

a realistic prospect

Shifts the focus to the realistic nature of the prospect, implying a good chance of it occurring.

a good bet

An idiomatic expression implying a high degree of confidence in the outcome.

a fair chance

Suggests a reasonable, though not necessarily high, probability of success.

a reasonable expectation

Shifts the emphasis to what can be reasonably expected, implying a degree of probability.

a credible scenario

Focuses on the believability and plausibility of the scenario.

FAQs

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

Use "a substantial likelihood" to indicate a significant possibility of something happening. For example, "There is "a substantial likelihood" that the company will expand next year."

What are some alternatives to "a substantial likelihood"?

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

Is "a substantial likelihood" formal or informal?

"A substantial likelihood" is generally considered a semi-formal to formal phrase, suitable for professional, academic, and news contexts. More informal alternatives exist, like "a good chance".

What's the difference between "a substantial likelihood" and "a possibility"?

"A substantial likelihood" suggests a higher degree of probability than simply "a possibility". It implies that the event is not just conceivable, but reasonably likely to occur.