equal odds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "equal odds" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing probabilities or chances that are the same for different outcomes or events. Example: "In this game, each player has equal odds of winning, regardless of their experience level."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

The three worst teams now have equal odds at the top pick.

The New Yorker

This week, bookies offered equal odds (5 to 6 by Paddy Power) for President Bush and John Kerry.

The New York Times

Your ability to divine who has said terrible things in American history has roughly equal odds to a coin toss.

The Guardian

Plant a lime seed and up comes a kumquat, or, with equal odds, a Seville orange, not to mention a rough lemon or a tangerine.

The New Yorker

"Both Democrats and Republicans have about equal odds of winning the House majority," Kyle Kondik, the managing editor of Sabato's Crystal Ball, wrote over the weekend.

The New Yorker

Who would take a bet that promised, at equal odds, either a lifetime of unalloyed happiness or a lifetime of utter misery?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

For example, everything else being equal, the odds of choosing a test with 95% sensitivity were 1.41 times the odds of choosing a test with 50% sensitivity and they were willing to pay $1331 for increasing test sensitivity from 50%to95%50%to95%

BMC Health Services Research

Analysis showed "that price was important, and having lowest price, all else being equal, increased odds that consumers would pick you," Professor Brynjolfsson said.

The New York Times

Thus, in Japan, other things being equal, the odds of males reaching the upper quartile are nearly five times greater than those for females.

Large-scale Assessments in Education

The interpretation is that, other things being equal, the odds of individuals in the highest category of Educational Attainment reaching the upper quartile are 20 times greater than the odds for those in the lowest category.

Large-scale Assessments in Education

That is, all else being equal, the odds of a positive IAM occurring increased by 1.6 for each 1 point increase in residual PANAS mood change.

Consciousness and Cognition

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "equal odds" to clearly convey that different outcomes or participants have the same probability of success or occurrence. This phrase is particularly effective in contexts where fairness or impartiality is important.

Common error

Avoid using "equal odds" when the probabilities are not precisely the same. Ensure a clear understanding and calculation of probabilities to maintain accuracy and avoid misleading the audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "equal odds" functions primarily as a descriptive phrase, indicating that different possibilities or participants have the same probability of success or occurrence. Ludwig examples confirm this usage, showing it frequently appears in contexts discussing fairness, competition, and statistical probabilities.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "equal odds" is a descriptive phrase used to indicate that different outcomes or participants have the same probability of success. As Ludwig highlights, it is grammatically sound and commonly found in contexts related to fairness, statistical analysis, and balanced competition. While alternatives like "even chances" and "identical probabilities" exist, "equal odds" effectively conveys impartiality and balanced probabilities. It's important to use this phrase accurately, ensuring that probabilities are indeed equivalent to maintain clarity and avoid misleading the audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

even chances

Focuses on the equitable nature of the chances themselves.

identical probabilities

Emphasizes the mathematical equivalence of the probabilities.

fifty-fifty chance

Specifies the odds as a 50% probability for each outcome.

equal probability

Highlights the equivalent likelihood of different events.

level playing field

Uses a metaphor to describe a situation where everyone has the same opportunity.

fair shot

Indicates that everyone has an equitable opportunity or attempt.

balanced likelihood

Suggests that the chances of different outcomes are in equilibrium.

comparable possibilities

Emphasizes the similarity in potential outcomes.

equivalent prospects

Focuses on the equal potential for success or positive outcomes.

same likelihood

Highlights the identical nature of the chances for different events.

FAQs

How can I use "equal odds" in a sentence?

You can use "equal odds" to indicate that different outcomes or participants have the same probability of success. For example, "The teams have "even chances" of winning the championship" or "Each candidate has "the same likelihood" of being selected".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "equal odds"?

Alternatives include "even chances", "identical probabilities", "fifty-fifty chance", or "equal probability", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "the odds are equal"?

Yes, saying "the odds are equal" is grammatically correct and conveys a similar meaning to "equal odds". Both phrases indicate that the probabilities of different outcomes are the same.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the term "equal odds"?

The term "equal odds" is appropriate in situations where different possibilities have the same chance of occurring, such as in a fair lottery, a balanced competition, or a scientific experiment with unbiased outcomes. Be sure that what you are evaluating is actually a "level playing field".