an equal likelihood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an equal likelihood" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing probabilities or chances that are the same for different outcomes or events. Example: "When rolling a fair die, there is an equal likelihood of landing on any of the six faces."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

A likelihood of 1.0 indicates an equal likelihood that the organizations will use either analytics or intuition.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A separate analysis excluding modifiable confounders (Model 2) gave the measure of association an equal likelihood of diabetes being a protective factor or a risk factor.

Journal of Clinical Densitometry

There is an equal likelihood that the players down below did not know about the legacy and long tradition of Riverside Church, an institution that has always been in the forefront of social activism.

The New York Times - Sports

A medical breakthrough and a White House initiative have increased the likelihood of eradicating H.I.V., but there is an equal likelihood that this effort will be sabotaged by the dismantling of the Affordable Care Act.

The New Yorker

FIS was calculated with SPAGeDI (Spatial Pattern Analysis of Genetic Diversity) that offers a way to estimate the allele frequencies in polyploids by assuming that each of the alleles in a partial heterozygote has an equal likelihood of being present more than once66.

Nature

This analysis assumes there is an equal likelihood of theft at a station or interchange or on a carriage between stations.

Crime Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

All else being equal, the likelihood of not being screened for colorectal cancer was significantly lower in 2010 than in 2008.

BMC Health Services Research

At LRs ≅ -1.4, an observation has a nearly equal likelihood of stemming from an absent gene as it does from a present gene and thus the two classes cannot be distinguished in this LR range.

BMC Genomics

At this intersection, a respondent has equal likelihood of choosing one category or the other [ 16].

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

In this way, we may account for a lack of knowledge (equal likelihood) regarding the position of these points below the threshold and an absolute certainty that these points do not lie above the threshold.

BMC Systems Biology

The realization that we can sometimes discover the falsehood of the assumption of equal likelihood and make a much more reasonable estimate of probability by making a large number of trials is very suggestive.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an equal likelihood" when you want to emphasize that different outcomes or events have the same probability of occurring. This phrase is particularly useful in statistical and scientific contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "an equal likelihood" when you actually mean that outcomes are equally desirable or preferable. Likelihood refers to probability, not preference.

Linguistic Context

An equal likelihood functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It expresses the concept of equivalent probabilities or chances. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

72%

News & Media

15%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an equal likelihood" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed noun phrase used to express the concept of equivalent probabilities or chances. As confirmed by Ludwig, its applications span across scientific, news, and formal contexts, signifying its versatility and correctness. While alternatives like "equal probability" or "even chance" exist, "an equal likelihood" remains a robust option, particularly in statistical and scientific discourse. Ensure that its application aligns with probabilistic concepts and avoids confusion with desirability or preference.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the same chance

Highlights the identical nature of the opportunity for different outcomes.

equal probability

Focuses on the mathematical concept of probability rather than a general chance.

even chance

Emphasizes the fairness and balanced nature of the odds.

fifty-fifty chance

Specifically denotes a 50% probability, providing a numerical value.

comparable likelihood

Highlights that the likelihoods are similar rather than precisely identical.

similar probability

Indicates a resemblance in probabilities, not necessarily an exact match.

equivalent odds

Uses betting terminology to express the concept of equal chances.

indistinguishable probability

Focuses on that we cannot distinguish the chances.

uniform probability

Related to statistical term when each possible outcome has the same probability

balanced possibility

Highlights that the outcomes have similar potential to happen

FAQs

How can I use "an equal likelihood" in a sentence?

You can use "an equal likelihood" to describe situations where different outcomes have the same probability of occurring. For example, "In a fair coin toss, there is "an equal likelihood" of getting heads or tails."

What phrases can I use instead of "an equal likelihood"?

Alternatives to "an equal likelihood" include "equal probability", "even chance", or "fifty-fifty chance" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "an equal likelihood" or "the same likelihood"?

"An equal likelihood" and "the same likelihood" are both grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably in many contexts. The choice often depends on stylistic preference.

What is the difference between "an equal likelihood" and "an equal opportunity"?

"An equal likelihood" refers to the probability of an event occurring, while "an equal opportunity" refers to fairness in access or treatment. They are distinct concepts and should not be confused.