had the likelihood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "had the likelihood" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the probability or chance of an event occurring in the past. Example: "The project had the likelihood of success given the resources we allocated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Moody's said the unpredictability of British decision-making had factored into its move, as had the likelihood of lower economic growth, which it said would outweigh any savings the UK might hope to get from not having to contribute to the EU budget.

The Guardian

Moody's said the unpredictability of British decision-making had factored into its move, as had the likelihood of lower economic growth that it said would outweigh any savings the UK might hope to get from not having to contribute to the EU budget.

The Guardian - Business

Traditional faith practitioners had the likelihood to approve physical domestic violence of wife compared to Christians.

BMC Women's Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"From the get-go, you have the likelihood of retaliation".

The New York Times

But as the agencies, now augmented by armies of private security contractors, have pooled their knowledge, so has the likelihood grown of spectacular leaks.

Independent

"Emerging-markets stocks, in my view, over the next 10 years have the likelihood of being one of your highest-returning assets," he said.

The New York Times

You have the likelihood that loan-loss provisions will increase.

Forbes

Undetected structural damages have the likelihood to grow and lead to catastrophic failures, loss of human lives and financial loss.

Smart Materials Bulletin

While not all apps have the likelihood of being featured, focusing promotional efforts within a tight timeframe can be the key.

TechCrunch

Based on these results, interventions designed to enhance adolescents' emotion regulatory abilities have the likelihood to mitigate problematic and even addictive Internet use among youth.

Computers in Human Behavior

Throw in the fact that the corporate junk bond market has grown to $1.3 trillion and you have the likelihood of defaults easily surpassing the last wave in 2001 02.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While grammatically sound, consider using more common and concise alternatives like "was likely" or "had a high probability" to improve clarity and flow.

Common error

Avoid using "had the likelihood" in informal contexts. This phrase can sound stilted or overly formal in casual conversation or writing. Simpler alternatives are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had the likelihood" functions as a determiner and noun construction, indicating a past probability or chance. The word had indicates that the probability existed in the past. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which identifies the phrase as grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "had the likelihood" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a past probability or chance. However, as highlighted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is less common in modern English and may sound somewhat formal. While found in news and scientific contexts, simpler alternatives like "was likely" are often preferred for clarity and conciseness. When writing, consider your audience and the desired tone before using this phrase. Using a simpler alternative could improve understandability, even if the use of "had the likelihood" is grammatically correct.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was likely

Simple and more direct alternative, focusing on past probability.

had a high probability

Emphasizes the statistical chance of something occurring.

was prone to

Suggests a tendency or inclination towards something.

had a tendency to

Similar to "was prone to", but perhaps slightly less strong.

was apt to

Implies a natural or habitual inclination.

carried the potential for

Focuses on the inherent possibility within a situation.

presented the possibility of

Highlights the existence of a chance or prospect.

bore the risk of

Emphasizes the negative consequences that might have occurred.

was susceptible to

Suggests vulnerability or openness to being affected by something.

had the makings of

Focuses on the constituent elements that suggested a future outcome.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "had the likelihood"?

Some alternatives include "was likely", "had a good chance", or "was probable". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "had the likelihood" grammatically correct?

Yes, "had the likelihood" is grammatically correct, although it's less common in contemporary English. It describes a past probability or chance.

How can I use "had the likelihood" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a past possibility or probability, such as: "Given the available resources, the project "had the likelihood" of success."

Which is better, "had the likelihood" or "was likely"?

"Was likely" is often a better choice because it's more concise and commonly used. "Had the likelihood" can sound somewhat formal or archaic.