likelihood is that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "likelihood is that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the probability or chance of a certain outcome occurring. Example: "The likelihood is that we will finish the project ahead of schedule if we maintain our current pace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But the likelihood is that climate change will reach crisis point in your lifetimes.

The Guardian

But the likelihood is that won't be enough to get Republicans to the table.

Huffington Post

Yet the likelihood is that it only delayed the inevitable.

The Guardian - Sport

But the likelihood is that the shooting will never stop.

The Guardian

The overwhelming likelihood is that Johnny will return, of course.

The New York Times

The likelihood is that there will be a lull.

The Economist

The overwhelming likelihood is that these peace talks will collapse.

Independent

The likelihood is that it has gone too far.

Independent

Of course the likelihood is that the second robot hasn't a clue.

The Guardian - Tech

"The likelihood is that the risk is low, but it's also probably not zero," she said.

The New York Times - Health

"The likelihood is that this is going to be the best option for the longer term".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "likelihood is that" when you want to express a reasonable expectation based on available evidence, but avoid overusing it in close succession within a single paragraph for stylistic reasons.

Common error

Avoid using "likelihood" directly with uncountable nouns. For example, instead of saying "The likelihood of rain is high", which is grammatically sound, don't construct a sentence like "The likelihood of water is high" unless you are referring to a specific, countable instance or source of water. In most cases, rephrase to use "probability" or another more appropriate construction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "likelihood is that" functions as an introductory clause to express probability or expectation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in English. Examples show its usage to preface predictions or assumptions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "likelihood is that" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed construction used to introduce a statement of probability or expectation. Ludwig AI confirms this, highlighting its prevalence in neutral to formal contexts, primarily within news and media. While versatile, users should consider subtle differences in tone and emphasis when choosing among alternatives such as "it is likely that" or "chances are that".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is probable that

Replaces "likelihood" with "probable", offering a slightly more formal tone.

it is likely that

Uses "likely" instead of "likelihood", resulting in a simpler and more direct expression.

the probability is that

Substitutes "likelihood" with "probability", creating a more scientific or analytical feel.

chances are that

Employs a more informal tone using "chances", suitable for casual contexts.

the expectation is that

Focuses on the general expectation, rather than the probability.

it seems likely that

Adds a degree of uncertainty or observation to the statement of probability.

it is expected that

Shifts the focus to expectation rather than pure probability, implying a degree of anticipation.

it is anticipated that

Similar to "expected", but suggests a more formal and carefully considered anticipation.

odds are that

Uses a more colloquial expression, "odds are", to convey probability.

one can expect that

Offers a more general and less assertive prediction.

FAQs

How can I use "likelihood is that" in a sentence?

You can use "likelihood is that" to express a reasonable expectation. For example, "The "likelihood is that" the meeting will be postponed due to the weather".

What can I say instead of "likelihood is that"?

You can use alternatives like "it is likely that", "chances are that", or "the probability is that" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "likelihood is that" or "likely is that"?

"Likelihood is that" is the correct phrase. "Likely is that" is not grammatically standard.

What's the difference between "likelihood is that" and "possibility is that"?

"Likelihood is that" implies a higher degree of probability than "possibility is that". Likelihood suggests a good chance of something occurring, while possibility simply means it could happen.