chances are high

USAGE SUMMARY

'chances are high' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to express the likelihood that something will happen. For example: "Chances are high that I will pass the exam if I study diligently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the chances are high that they'll have to work closely with someone who does.

Princeton University

Chances are high that those loans are unlikely to ever be paid back in full.

The New York Times

The chances are high that Australia will wake up on Sunday morning with a new government.

The Guardian

Chances are high that they will pick Taurasi, whose "killer instinct" they like.

The New Yorker

The chances are high that she'd get verbally scolded very badly.

The Guardian

Chance of revival: We honestly love bi-coastal Allen, so chances are high.

The Guardian

Chances are high that most of us will have a surgical procedure at some point during our lives.

Harvard University

But chances are high you'll find something close to what you're looking for and in a lot less time.

Harvard University

As a result the chances are high that these two sides will be meeting in the Championship next season.

The Guardian - Sport

"Chances are high that the food you've eaten recently was picked by a Mixtec immigrant," Black points out.

The New Yorker

This is a country of immigrants, so the chances are high that someone within earshot will understand.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "chances are high" to express a strong likelihood without making an absolute guarantee. This acknowledges uncertainty while still indicating a probable outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "chances are high" when the outcome is definitively known or already confirmed. It's meant for situations where there's a strong possibility, not a certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chances are high" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a clause, expressing a high probability or likelihood of a particular event or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form. See Ludwig examples for usage in context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Academia

21%

Science

16%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "chances are high" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express a strong likelihood. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across diverse writing styles. Predominantly found in news, academic, and scientific contexts, the phrase serves to convey probability without absolute certainty. When aiming for formality, consider alternatives like "it is highly probable". Avoid using it when certainty is already established.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is very likely

Directly states likelihood, slightly more straightforward.

there's a strong likelihood

Rephrases likelihood using 'strong', reinforcing probability.

it is highly probable

Emphasizes probability with a more formal tone.

it's quite possible

Suggests a strong possibility, but with a slightly more cautious tone.

the odds are good

Uses a gambling metaphor to suggest favorable probabilities.

it's almost certain

Conveys a very high degree of confidence, close to certainty.

it's a safe bet

Similar to 'odds are good', utilizes a betting metaphor for assuredness.

one can reasonably expect

Highlights expectation based on reasonable grounds, more formal.

it's to be expected

Implies that something is predictable or anticipated.

the expectation is high

Focuses on the high level of anticipation or prediction.

FAQs

How can I use "chances are high" in a sentence?

Use "chances are high" to indicate a strong likelihood of something occurring. For example, "Chances are high that it will rain tomorrow if the forecast predicts a storm".

What's a good alternative to "chances are high"?

Alternatives include "it is very likely", "it is highly probable", or "the odds are good", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "the chance is high" or "chances are high"?

"Chances are high" is the more common and idiomatic expression. "The chance is high" is grammatically correct but less frequently used.

Can "chances are high" be used in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, in highly formal contexts, consider more precise alternatives like "it is highly probable" or "there is a strong likelihood" for added gravitas.