likelihood of an event

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "likelihood of an event" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the probability or chance that a specific event will occur. Example: "The likelihood of an event such as a major earthquake occurring in this region is higher than previously thought."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Take, for example, what psychologists call "availability," the tendency to judge the likelihood of an event by how readily it comes to mind.

The New York Times - Books

Top executives from firms like Goldman Sachs, Lehman Brothers and Citigroup — calling themselves the Counterparty Risk Management Policy Group II — debated the likelihood of an event that could send a seismic wave across financial markets.

The New York Times

Alter's misdiagnosis resulted from the use of a heuristic called "availability," which refers to the tendency to judge the likelihood of an event by the ease with which relevant examples come to mind.

The New Yorker

Asked to elaborate, the new mayor said: "I think that Ray Kelly is providing the leadership and the training for the Police Department so the likelihood of an event like that is diminished".

The New York Times

Risk is generally conceptualised as a combination of the likelihood of an event and its consequences.

Journal of Applied Volcanology

The likelihood of an event causing fatalities is positively correlated with VEI (Figure 12c).

Journal of Applied Volcanology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

This can be taken as an indication of the low likelihood of such an event occurring during the lifetime of the Earth.

Wikipedia

The likelihood of observing an event as a function of time is shown in the pdf plot.

CPT: Pharmacometrics and Systems Pharmacology

Time of day of arrival was statistically significantly associated with the occurrence of an adverse event with a greater likelihood of an adverse event occurring if the patient arrived during the daytime period.

BMJ Quality and Safety

Much attention has been paid to the construction of risk, viewed as an outgrowth of cognitive evaluation of the severity of consequence and likelihood of an adverse event's occurrence (e.g., Slovic 1993).

Environmental Health Perspectives

Our highest priority should be to reduce the likelihood of such an event.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When quantifying "likelihood of an event", use specific metrics or data to provide a clear understanding of the probability. For example, instead of saying "there is a high likelihood", state "there is an 80% likelihood based on historical data".

Common error

Avoid using "likelihood of an event" when you actually mean the event is certain to happen. "Likelihood" implies a degree of uncertainty or probability, while certainty indicates a guaranteed outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "likelihood of an event" functions as a noun phrase that describes the probability or chance that a particular occurrence will take place. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage and wide applicability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "likelihood of an event" is a versatile and grammatically correct expression used to describe the probability of something occurring. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely applicable across various contexts, particularly in science and news. While alternatives like "chance of an event" and "probability of an event" exist, understanding the nuances of "likelihood" is key to effective communication. Remember to quantify the likelihood whenever possible and avoid confusing it with certainty to maintain clarity and accuracy in your writing. The examples and related phrases provided offer further guidance on utilizing this expression effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

probability of an occurrence

Replaces "likelihood" with "probability" and "event" with "occurrence", emphasizing the statistical aspect.

chance of something happening

Uses more informal language, replacing "likelihood" and "event" with simpler terms.

possibility of an incident

Substitutes "likelihood" with "possibility" and "event" with "incident", suggesting a potentially negative occurrence.

prospect of a situation

Replaces "likelihood" with "prospect" and "event" with "situation", indicating a future possibility.

potential for something to occur

Focuses on the "potential" rather than the "likelihood", highlighting the inherent capacity for something to happen.

odds of an outcome

Uses the term "odds" to convey probability, especially in situations involving risk or uncertainty.

risk of an incident

Emphasizes the negative aspect, replacing "likelihood" with "risk" and "event" with "incident".

incidence of something taking place

Uses more formal language, with "incidence" replacing "likelihood" and "taking place" replacing "event".

degree of certainty for a happening

Focuses on the level of confidence associated with an event, using "degree of certainty" to replace "likelihood".

expectation of a development

Suggests that an event is anticipated or predicted, replacing "likelihood" with "expectation" and "event" with "development".

FAQs

How can I use "likelihood of an event" in a sentence?

You can use "likelihood of an event" to describe the probability that something will occur, such as "The study examined the "likelihood of an event" like a market crash".

What's a simpler way to say "likelihood of an event"?

Alternatives include "chance of an event" or "probability of an event", which are often more direct and easier to understand.

Is "likelihood of an event" formal or informal language?

"Likelihood of an event" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although "probability of an event" might be preferred in highly technical or scientific writing.

What factors might influence the "likelihood of an event"?

Many factors can influence the ""likelihood of an event"", including historical data, statistical analysis, expert opinions, and current trends.