heightens the likelihood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "heightens the likelihood" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing factors that increase the probability of a certain outcome or event occurring. Example: "The new safety measures heighten the likelihood of preventing accidents in the workplace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

[Page B1.] The steep decline in state revenue heightens the likelihood of profound cuts in services when Mr. Pataki presents his executive budget in three weeks.

The New York Times

Startups don't have to have a Facebook integration to join FbStart, but being in the program probably heightens the likelihood that they'll build Facebook integrations into their apps that feed Facebook content and data.

TechCrunch

Consumer lender Acom slumped by 5.4%, 2,895 yen ($32.61), taking a second straight day of big losses following a Supreme Court ruling that heightens the likelihood that consumer lenders will be forced to refund more interest collected on old loans.

Forbes

Kassie Siegel, director of Center for Biological Diversity's Climate Law Institute, told VICE News that scientists have proven that wastewater injection heightens the likelihood of earthquakes.

Vice

Applying incrementalist band aids borrowed from revenue earned from non-academic sources to meet the payroll only heightens the likelihood of weakening the academic program, going further into debt, and impinging upon resources needed elsewhere.

Huffington Post

By neutralizing some key issues, his political shift also heightens the likelihood of a gubernatorial race defined as much by disputes about character as by partisan divisions, analysts say.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

And studies have shown that recurrent deployments heighten the likelihood of combat trauma, which, in turn, increases the risk of domestic violence.

The New York Times

This article reviews the status of the literature with regard to translation to practice and describes methods that will heighten the likelihood of translation.

American Journal of Preventive Medicine

Privately, theater owners are now predicting that "Avatar" may play in as many as 2,500 3-D theaters, while occupying almost as many conventional theaters over the holiday season, heightening the likelihood of a big opening.

The New York Times

Elections heighten the likelihood of increased numbers of assassination attempts, arrests of those viewed as "enemies" of the central or local government and intimidation of political rivals who threaten the status quo.

The New York Times

Some middle-class feminists are a bit hostile to intersectional feminism (in which sexism is seen as just one of a range of factors that can combine to heighten the likelihood of prejudicial exclusion).

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "heightens the likelihood", ensure that the context clearly indicates what specific factor is causing the increase in probability. This adds precision and clarity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "heightens the likelihood" when the relationship between the factor and the outcome is merely correlational. Ensure there is a reasonable basis to suggest a causal link.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "heightens the likelihood" functions as a verb phrase that describes an action which increases the probability of a particular event or outcome. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a correct and usable expression. The phrase is commonly used in sentences where a causal relationship is being discussed.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "heightens the likelihood" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes an action or event that increases the probability of a particular outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts and is generally considered to be of neutral register, but leaning towards formal. When using this phrase, ensure that the causal relationship is well-supported and that the context clearly identifies the factors involved. Alternatives like "increases the probability" or "raises the odds" can be used depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increases the probability

Emphasizes a rise in the mathematical chance of an event.

boosts the potential

Highlights the enhancement of positive outcomes.

raises the odds

Suggests a change in favor or possibility, often used in informal contexts.

augments the chance

Implies a formal or significant increase in the opportunity.

exacerbates the possibility

Focuses on the worsening of a potential negative outcome.

amplifies the prospect

Indicates a noticeable increase in a future expectation.

escalates the risk

Specifically denotes an increase in potential danger or hazard.

contributes to the possibility

Points out that something is a cause for something else.

makes more probable

Expresses an action which increases the chances of something happening.

fosters the potential

Demonstrates that something can provide conditions for something to happen.

FAQs

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

You can use "heightens the likelihood" to describe how a particular action or event makes another event more probable. For example, "Implementing stricter safety protocols "heightens the likelihood" of preventing accidents."

What are some alternatives to "heightens the likelihood"?

Alternatives include phrases like "increases the probability", "boosts the potential", or "raises the odds" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "heightens the likelihood" formal or informal?

"Heightens the likelihood" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal expression. It is suitable for academic, professional, and journalistic contexts.

What is the difference between "heightens the likelihood" and "increases the likelihood"?

While both phrases are very similar, ""heightens the likelihood"" may imply a more significant or noticeable increase compared to the more neutral "increase the likelihood".