as probable as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as probable as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the likelihood of two events or situations occurring. Example: "The chances of rain tomorrow are as probable as a sunny day in the middle of winter."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

To report only relevant locations with reasonable probability, YLoc stops reporting locations if a location is less than half as probable as the preceding location.

Bioinformatics

That seems about as probable as community theater replacing Broadway.

The New York Times - Arts

This is, of course, about as probable as your hitting the lottery and one of the virtues of fantasy.

The New York Times - Travel

No doubt there are many more that are easily as probable as the ones discussed above (i.e. not even slightly).

The Guardian

As dismal as the Giants' season was, as probable as the Packers' triumph was, you're not supposed to surrender.

The New York Times - Sports

"The likelihood of it happening in our rural attendant centers is not nearly as probable as it is in the urban city areas," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Episodic primary headache disorders, definite MIG and definite TTH as well as probable MIG and probable TTH were summarized as episodic All-MIG (epAll-MIG) and episodic All-TTH (epAll-TTH) [10].

The Journal of Headache and Pain

(For that matter, long before they took over last year, both Hank and Hal were at different times seen as probable successors as well).

The New York Times - Sports

It will also grapple, Dr. Horvitz said, with socioeconomic, legal and ethical issues, as well as probable changes in human-computer relationships.

The New York Times - Science

Even if Officer Bloomberg specifically targeted Tony for arrest because he was black, the Fourth Amendment is not a bar, as long as probable cause exists.

The New York Times

yr BP as a result of cooling or increased aridity, as well as probable human activity.

Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, quantify probabilities when possible. For example, 'The event is as probable as a coin toss resulting in heads, roughly 50%.' This makes comparisons more concrete.

Common error

Avoid implying a causal relationship when only comparing probabilities. Just because two events are equally probable does not mean one causes the other. For example, stating 'winning the lottery is as probable as being struck by lightning' doesn't suggest that winning the lottery causes lightning strikes, or vice versa.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as probable as" functions as a comparative expression, used to indicate that two events, situations, or outcomes have a similar likelihood of occurring. Ludwig AI provides various examples in both scientific and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

44%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as probable as" is a versatile comparative expression used to equate the likelihood of different events or outcomes. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and highlights its common usage across both scientific and journalistic contexts. To ensure clarity, define the elements being compared and consider quantifying probabilities. Avoid confusing correlation with causation. Alternatives such as "just as likely as" or ""equally likely as"" can be used to introduce subtle nuances in emphasis. Remember to define probabilities properly in order to maximize clarity, and remember the risk of implying causality when simply comparing the likelihood of two independent events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just as likely as

Emphasizes equal likelihood between two possibilities.

equally likely as

Highlights the equivalent chance of two events occurring.

as likely to happen as

Specifically indicates the chance of an event taking place.

comparable in probability to

Suggests a statistical comparison of likelihood.

on par with

Implies a level of probability that's equivalent to something else.

bears a similar likelihood to

Formally indicates a similarity in terms of the chances.

has a matching chance of

Focuses on the chance or opportunity being similar.

approximates the probability of

Highlights the similarity and indicates near equivalence.

is roughly as plausible as

Implies the possibilities of the events are nearly equal.

presents a like prospect to

Implies similarity in what is expected or foreseen.

FAQs

How can I use "as probable as" in a sentence?

Use "as probable as" to compare the likelihood of two different events or outcomes. For example, "Getting the promotion is "as probable as" winning the lottery" suggests both have a low likelihood.

What's a more formal alternative to "as probable as"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "just as likely as" or "equally likely as". For example, you might say, "The success of the project is "equally likely as" its failure" in a business report.

Is "as probable as" the same as "as likely as"?

While very similar, "as probable as" emphasizes the statistical or calculated chance of something happening, whereas "as likely as" is a more general comparison of chances. In most contexts, they are interchangeable.

Can "as probable as" be used for negative outcomes?

Yes, "as probable as" can compare unfavorable possibilities. For instance, "Losing the investment is "as probable as" seeing a return" indicates a high risk of financial loss.