approximately equally likely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "approximately equally likely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts involving probability or statistics to indicate that different outcomes have similar chances of occurring. Example: "In this experiment, the results showed that the outcomes were approximately equally likely, suggesting no significant bias in the data collection process."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Even interpreting it as an approximation, it is unlikely that someone believes some range of values are approximately equally likely, but a value slightly outside that range is (approximately) impossible.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

It is clear that the models collectively favor neutral ENSO conditions through northern spring 2014; then by Apr-Jun El Niño probabilities become more competitive with ENSO-neutral probabilities, until they are approximately equally likely by Jun-Aug 2014 (both just shy of 50% due to the lingering 9% likelihood of La Niña).

Columbia University

At 20 dB, for example, it is approximately equally likely that users 3 and 4 (with weights 0.3 and 0.4, respectively) will be ordered first.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

This suggests a predominantly neutral model of gene rearrangements, where non-homologous recombination is approximately equally likely at each (non-functional) nucleotide.

BMC Genomics

On the other hand, after more than 4 Ne generations of genetic drift, all allele frequencies are approximately equally likely for surviving polymorphisms, and hence, the SFS should be flat.

Genome Biology and Evolution

These models were then checked using simulation, and then their intercepts raised iteratively by a fixed amount until the pruning resulted in the goal rate of approximately 3 false alarms per year and each variable approximately equally likely to signal.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Women were about equally likely to develop symptoms or not.

Harvard University

In terms of allied health care services, both women and men with arthritis and women with other chronic conditions were equally likely – approximately 13% in all groups – to have consulted a chiropractor at least once in the previous year.

BMC Women's Health

This means that in regions of low certainty (where the founders are equally likely) the dosage of the allele will be approximately proportional to its frequency among the founders.

BMC Genomics

PCR/ESI-MS yielded single emm type identifications in approximately two thirds of the cases, and lists of two or more equally likely emm types in the remaining cases (these groups of equally likely emm types are hereafter referred to as emm groups).

Plosone

This group was approximately equally distributed between positive and negative income trends, but specialist dairy farms were more likely to have a significant positive trend.

Agricultural and Food Economics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing statistical probabilities, ensure that "approximately equally likely" is supported by data or evidence. Avoid using it as a vague estimate without basis.

Common error

Avoid using "approximately equally likely" when there's a significant difference in probabilities. If one outcome is even slightly more probable, consider using phrases like "somewhat more likely" or "marginally more probable."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "approximately equally likely" functions as a modifier, describing the probability or likelihood of different events or outcomes. It indicates that the chances of these events occurring are similar but not necessarily identical. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

57%

Academia

29%

News & Media

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "approximately equally likely" is a grammatically sound way to express that several outcomes have roughly the same probability, though not necessarily exactly equal. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and appropriate for use in written English. It is most frequently encountered in scientific and academic writing, indicating a formal register. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the probabilities are indeed close and that it's supported by data, preventing overstatements of approximate equality. Alternatives such as "nearly equiprobable" and "almost equally probable" can offer slight variations in tone and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearly equiprobable

Replaces "equally likely" with "equiprobable" and adds "nearly" for approximation, altering the wording slightly.

almost equally probable

Substitutes "likely" with "probable" and uses "almost" to convey approximation, changing the specific words used.

roughly equally probable

Replaces "approximately" with "roughly", offering a less formal synonym.

more or less equally likely

Adds "more or less" for a slightly less precise approximation.

around the same likelihood

Uses a different structure focusing on likelihood, indicating similarity in probability.

of similar probability

Focuses on probability being similar rather than events being equally likely.

comparable likelihood

Emphasizes the comparability of the likelihood, slightly shifting the focus.

nearly identical odds

Changes "likely" to "odds" and "equally" to "identical," requiring a change in wording.

almost indistinguishable chances

Replaces "likely" with "chances" and uses "indistinguishable" to mean very similar.

virtually the same probability

Uses "virtually" for approximation and focuses on "probability", providing a more technical tone.

FAQs

How can I use "approximately equally likely" in a sentence?

You can use "approximately equally likely" to describe situations where different outcomes have a roughly similar chance of occurring. For example, "The study found that patients in both treatment groups were "approximately equally likely" to experience side effects".

What are some alternatives to "approximately equally likely"?

Some alternatives include "nearly equiprobable", "almost equally probable", or "roughly equally probable" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "about equally likely" instead of "approximately equally likely"?

Yes, "about equally likely" is a simpler and often acceptable alternative. Both phrases convey a similar meaning of near-equal probability, but "approximately equally likely" may sound more formal.

What's the difference between "equally likely" and "approximately equally likely"?

"Equally likely" implies that the probabilities are exactly the same. "Approximately equally likely" suggests the probabilities are very close but not necessarily identical, allowing for slight variations.