distinctly less likely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "distinctly less likely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a significant difference in probability or likelihood between two or more scenarios or outcomes. Example: "Given the new evidence, it seems that the hypothesis is distinctly less likely to be true than we initially thought."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But a complete meltdown seems distinctly less likely than gradual stabilisation followed by a tepid recovery, with soaring debt levels and lingering high unemployment.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

These days, "just being Miley" involves a distinctly less PG quirkiness likely involving at least some of the following: foam fingers, assertive sexuality, hot dog steeds, kittens, cultural appropriation scandals, MDMA and yes, bloody twerking.

Independent

"The economic situation has become distinctly less favorable" since last summer, he told the House Financial Services Committee.

The New York Times

The Concerned are also convinced that global warming is a serious problem, but while they support a vigorous national response, they are distinctly less involved in the issue, and less likely than the Alarmed to be taking personal action.

Plosone

If your daughter has a pink bike with streamers on the handlebars, and those elements are understood as distinctly feminine, then you're far less likely to hand it on to your son.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Those with distinctly African-American names are 16percentt less likely to be accepted by hosts.

Huffington Post

Women who never had a mammogram tended to be older than those in the other groups, had more children, were less likely to have had a maternal history of breast cancer, and most distinctly, were less likely to be current users of HT (12% versus 25% for those in the program and 32% for those with mammograms outside the program).

BMC Cancer

Less likely.

The Economist

Less likely than whom?

Independent

Less likely than unlikely?

The New York Times - Sports

Consensus seems less likely.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "distinctly less likely" to emphasize a notable reduction in probability, rather than a marginal one. It adds a stronger sense of contrast compared to simply saying "less likely".

Common error

Avoid using "distinctly less likely" when the difference in likelihood is minimal or insignificant. Using it in such cases can exaggerate the contrast and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distinctly less likely" functions as an adverbial modifier intensifying the degree to which something is improbable. Ludwig AI validates its correct and usable nature in written English. It signifies a clear and notable reduction in probability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "distinctly less likely" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that emphasizes a significant reduction in probability. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and suggests it’s suitable for various contexts, particularly news and media as well as science. While it’s more emphatic than simply saying "less likely", it should be reserved for cases where the difference in likelihood is truly notable. Alternatives like "significantly less probable" and "markedly less likely" can be used to convey a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significantly less probable

Emphasizes the notable difference in probability.

markedly less likely

Highlights a clear and noticeable reduction in likelihood.

substantially less likely

Indicates a considerable decrease in the chance of something happening.

noticeably less likely

Suggests that the reduced likelihood is easily observed.

appreciably less likely

Conveys that the decrease in likelihood is measurable and significant.

considerably less likely

Implies a noteworthy reduction in probability or chance.

measurably less likely

Focuses on the quantifiable difference in likelihood.

plainly less likely

Highlights the obvious reduction in probability.

demonstrably less likely

Emphasizes that the lower likelihood can be proven or shown.

visibly less likely

Similar to 'noticeably less likely', but with more emphasis on direct observation.

FAQs

How can I use "distinctly less likely" in a sentence?

You can use "distinctly less likely" to emphasize that something is considerably less probable than something else. For example: "Given the data, a market crash is "distinctly less likely" than a period of steady growth".

What are some alternatives to "distinctly less likely"?

Alternatives include phrases like "significantly less probable", "markedly less likely", or "substantially less likely". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "distinctly less likely" instead of "less likely"?

Use "distinctly less likely" when you want to highlight a significant difference in probability. If the difference is only slight, "less likely" is sufficient.

Is "distinctly less likely" formal or informal?

The phrase "distinctly less likely" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The word "distinctly" adds emphasis without making the phrase overly formal.