greatest likelihood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "greatest likelihood" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the probability or chance of an event occurring, often in statistical or analytical contexts. Example: "Based on the data we have collected, the greatest likelihood is that the project will be completed ahead of schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There's still no diagnosis, and the greatest likelihood seems to be that it's related to stress.

The New York Times

Native Americans have some of the highest rates of poverty and the greatest likelihood of being killed by police.

The Guardian - Opinion

And, according to the American Obesity Association, a research organization, poor minority women have the greatest likelihood of being overweight.

The New York Times - Health

For instance, they do not yet know which antibodies produced in response to a vaccine indicate the greatest likelihood of protection, a crucial step in developing any vaccine.

The New York Times - Health

That scenario — that Kim has lost ground in an internal political crisis — is the worst of them, the one with the greatest likelihood of war.

The New Yorker

Using propensity-to-buy models generated from its information pool, SBC then identified customers with the greatest likelihood of purchasing DSL.

Harvard Business Review

Our study demonstrated that rainwater in soil has the greatest likelihood to be used by crops in FMRF among the three cropping systems.

Soil and Tillage Research

This review focuses on the avian species and pathogens that represent the greatest likelihood to be of concern at the agricultural production and processing level.

The Produce Contamination Problem Causes and Solutions

In 2006, a Geological Survey study of small-mouth bass in the Upper Potomac Basin found that male fish from the most densely inhabited and farmed sites had the greatest likelihood of having immature eggs in the testes.

The New York Times - Science

Conclusion: Misperceived pre-pregnancy body weight status was associated with excessive gestational weight gain among both normal weight and overweight/obese women, with the greatest likelihood of excessive gain among overweight/obese underassessors.

Harvard University

So for example, in what are called frequency/probability cases, where, for instance, your goal is to choose from the box where you have the greatest likelihood of drawing a red ball.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "greatest likelihood" when you want to emphasize that something has the highest probability among several possibilities. It's suitable for analytical and data-driven contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "greatest likelihood" in casual conversation. Simpler alternatives like "most likely" or "best chance" are more appropriate for informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "greatest likelihood" functions as a noun phrase that often modifies a verb, adjective, or another noun. It indicates the highest degree of probability or chance associated with a particular event or outcome. Ludwig's examples show its use in scientific, news, and business contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "greatest likelihood" is grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts, including science, news media, and formal business settings. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is used to express the highest degree of probability or chance of an event occurring. When writing, it's best to reserve "greatest likelihood" for formal and analytical contexts, while opting for simpler alternatives like "most likely" in casual conversation. The phrase's prevalence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and scientific journals underscores its reliability and appropriateness in professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highest probability

Focuses directly on the numerical chance rather than the general possibility.

most probable

Emphasizes the quality of being the most expected or likely outcome.

best chance

Conveys a more informal sense of the most favorable opportunity.

optimum prospect

Adds a sense of the most desirable or advantageous possibility.

primary possibility

Highlights the main or leading option among others.

utmost potential

Stresses the highest degree of unrealized capability or chance.

maximum expectation

Implies the upper limit of what is anticipated or predicted.

leading candidate

Suggests something is the most likely to be chosen or successful.

superior prospect

Emphasizes the improved quality and higher likelihood compared to others.

predominant anticipation

Focuses on the dominant expectation or forecast.

FAQs

How can I use "greatest likelihood" in a sentence?

You can use "greatest likelihood" to indicate the highest probability of something occurring. For example, "Based on the data, the "greatest likelihood" is that the project will be completed on time".

What are some alternatives to "greatest likelihood"?

Some alternatives include "highest probability", "most probable", or "best chance" depending on the specific context.

Is "greatest likelihood" formal or informal?

"Greatest likelihood" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for analytical reports, scientific papers, and business communications. In casual conversation, phrases like "most likely" are more appropriate.

When should I use "greatest likelihood" instead of "most likely"?

Use "greatest likelihood" when you want to emphasize a data-driven or analytical assessment of probability. "Most likely" is a more general and less formal alternative.