equally likely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "equally likely" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts involving probability or chance, indicating that two or more outcomes have the same likelihood of occurring. Example: "When flipping a fair coin, the outcomes of heads and tails are equally likely."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Equally likely, however, is a technical explanation.

The Guardian - Sport

Distress and numbness are equally likely; neither implies more virtue.

The New York Times

Both men are seen as equally likely to improve education.

The New York Times

But it is equally likely to encourage suspicion that Mrs Arroyo is plotting to cling to power and equally likely to bring demonstrators out into the streets.

The Economist

But now, the riposte is equally likely to be an overwhelming YAWNZ.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We have been equally likely to be short bonds or long bonds," he said.

The New Yorker

Fans of Myst and fans of the Brontë sisters seem equally likely to resent this comparison.

The New Yorker

He may do that, but he is equally likely to do something else and never return".

The New York Times - Books

But it's also still possible, and I'd say about equally likely, that the recovery will stall.

The New York Times

They may be equally likely, or one may be more probable than the other.

The Guardian

But they're equally likely to explain their avoidance of personal publicity by saying: "We're shy".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "equally likely", ensure you clearly define the events or possibilities you're comparing. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens your argument or explanation.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because two outcomes are "equally likely", they will occur with equal frequency in a small sample size. Statistical significance requires a larger dataset to manifest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "equally likely" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifically indicating the degree of probability. It modifies a verb or clause to specify that two or more outcomes or events have an equivalent chance of occurring. Ludwig examples confirm its role in describing probabilistic scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "equally likely" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to express that two or more events or possibilities have the same probability of occurring. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and commonly found in various contexts, particularly in science and news media. Alternatives like "equally probable" or "just as likely" can be used to convey a similar meaning. When using "equally likely", it's essential to clearly define the compared events to avoid ambiguity. Be mindful of statistical significance, as equal likelihood doesn't guarantee equal frequency in small samples. "Equally likely" maintains a neutral to formal tone, making it suitable for both general and professional discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

equally probable

Replaces 'likely' with 'probable', emphasizing the mathematical chance of occurrence.

of equal likelihood

A more formal and slightly less common phrasing.

just as likely

Uses 'just as' for emphasis, highlighting the equal chance of something happening.

as likely as not

Suggests a 50/50 chance, often used when the outcome is uncertain.

fifty-fifty chance

A more informal way to express an equal probability of two outcomes.

same probability

Highlights that the probability is identical between the compared cases.

equally plausible

Substitutes 'likely' with 'plausible', focusing on the believability or reasonableness of each option.

comparable probability

Shifts the focus to the numerical aspect of probability.

indistinguishable chance

Emphasizes that the chance is so close that is impossible to distinguish.

balanced odds

Balanced odds show equal or fair chances

FAQs

How do you use "equally likely" in a sentence?

Use "equally likely" to show that two or more things have the same chance of happening. For example, "In a fair lottery, every ticket is "equally likely" to win".

What phrases can I use instead of "equally likely"?

You can use phrases like "equally probable", "just as likely", or "of equal likelihood" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "all outcomes are equally likely"?

Yes, it is correct. This phrase indicates that each possible result has the same probability of occurring. For example, if you roll a fair six-sided die, each number is "equally likely" to appear.

What's the difference between "equally likely" and "highly likely"?

"Equally likely" means that multiple outcomes have the same probability, while "highly likely" indicates a strong probability for a single outcome. They are not interchangeable.