chances are that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'chances are that' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to express an assumption or a guess about a future event. For example: "Chances are that the weather will be nice tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The chances are that will break the strike.

The Economist

Chances are that eBay pulled it.

TechCrunch

Chances are that word will get around.

WikiHow

Chances are that is what woke him up.

WikiHow

The chances are that they will not.

The Economist

Chances are that pitch will come shortly.

The New York Times

The chances are that it can.

The Economist

Chances are that we all multitask.

The Washington Post

Chances are that both verdicts are wrong.

The Washington Post

Chances are that I will finish it after Steer Roast.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The chances are that they will say yes.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "chances are that" to introduce statements of probability, not as a substitute for definitive facts.

Common error

Avoid using "chances are that" when you possess concrete evidence. Overusing it can undermine the credibility of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "chances are that" is to introduce a clause expressing a probability or likelihood. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "chances are that" is a versatile phrase used to express a reasonable expectation or likelihood. It's grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, especially in news and media. Ludwig AI's analysis and examples confirm its widespread usage and acceptability. While it's generally neutral in register, it's crucial to avoid overstating certainty when using it. Alternatives like ""it is likely that"" or ""it is probable that"" can be used for a more formal tone. Remember to always ensure the context supports the assumption you're making for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is likely that

This alternative provides a more formal and direct statement of probability.

it is probable that

Similar to 'it is likely that', this suggests a high degree of probability, often used in formal contexts.

it is expected that

Implies an anticipation or prediction based on current trends or information.

it is anticipated that

A more formal version of 'it is expected that', suggesting a degree of certainty in the prediction.

it is reasonable to assume that

Indicates that the statement is a logical conclusion based on available evidence.

the odds are that

This alternative uses gambling terminology to suggest a statistical probability.

one can expect that

This phrase suggests a general expectation, often based on common knowledge or experience.

it is foreseeable that

This phrase suggests a future possibility that can be reasonably predicted.

it seems likely that

Indicates that the probability is based on current observations or impressions.

it would appear that

Suggests that the statement is an inference based on available evidence, but with a hint of uncertainty.

FAQs

What does "chances are that" mean?

"Chances are that" is an idiomatic expression used to indicate a high probability or likelihood of something happening or being true. It suggests that based on the available information or current circumstances, it is reasonable to expect a particular outcome.

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

You can use "chances are that" to introduce a statement about something that is likely to occur. For instance, "Chances are that it will rain tomorrow if the weather forecast predicts a storm".

What are some alternatives to "chances are that"?

Alternatives to "chances are that" include "it is likely that", "it is probable that", or "it is expected that", depending on the degree of certainty you wish to convey.

Is "chances are is that" grammatically correct?

No, "chances are is that" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "chances are that". Adding "is" creates a redundant verb construction.