likelihood of something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "likelihood of something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the probability or chance of a particular event or outcome occurring. Example: "The likelihood of rain tomorrow is high, so you should bring an umbrella."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

The likelihood of something hitting us in the future is pretty guaranteed".

The Guardian - Tech

Research shows that the likelihood of something happening as instructed recedes with every line of an email.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"The likelihood of something hitting us in the future is pretty guaranteed, although we're not freaking out that there is an imminent threat".

The Guardian - Tech

Risk estimates can be hard to wrap your head around, though, because no matter how well we can predict the likelihood of something happening in the future, once it happens it hardly matters what the likelihood was in the first place.

The New Yorker

Absolute risk expresses the likelihood of something happening as a percentage or ratio, while the relative risk compares risk levels in different groups.

Science Magazine

Harold Mooney, an ecologist at Stanford University, says that Lodge's work is an important stepping stone because "he can now tell us the likelihood of something becoming established".

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

I have been blessed by being allowed to do art of a subject — marines in combat — of such inherent depth and vibrancy that even if I were talentless dolt I'd enjoy an astronomically high statistical likelihood of creating something of artistic merit.

The New York Times

But pointing out the high likelihood of bankruptcy, something that I and the credit-default swap market have been forecasting for some time, will help reduce the surprise impact.

Forbes

But Trump's convention, like so much of his campaign, carries a high likelihood of becoming something else.

Los Angeles Times

The latter game, three years young this summer and still a misunderstood gem in the Wii U catalogue, should have served to telegraph the Osaka studio's likelihood of implementing something on the unusual side.

Vice

You will be packing and unpacking your vehicle over and over, and the likelihood of missing something is pretty high when you factor in late-night exhaustion after a gig, the darkness of night and clubs, and mother nature.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the "likelihood of something", quantify the likelihood using percentages, ratios, or descriptive terms (e.g., 'high', 'low', 'unlikely') to provide greater clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "likelihood" when you mean certainty. "Likelihood" implies a degree of uncertainty, while a guarantee suggests a certain outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "likelihood of something" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It expresses the degree to which an event is probable or expected. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "likelihood of something" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to denote the probability or chance of an event occurring. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted in written English. Analysis of Ludwig's examples reveals its frequent use in news, media, and science, with a neutral register suitable for various contexts. When using this phrase, remember to quantify the likelihood for greater clarity and avoid confusing it with certainty. Alternatives like "probability of something" and "chance of something" can be used depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the likeliness of something

Replaces "likelihood" with "likeliness", which has nearly identical meaning but is less frequently used.

probability of something

Replaces "likelihood" with "probability", a more formal synonym, maintaining the same structure.

chance of something

Substitutes "likelihood" with "chance", offering a slightly less formal alternative.

odds of something

Uses "odds" instead of "likelihood", often used in contexts involving betting or predictions.

prospect of something

Replaces "likelihood" with "prospect", implying a more future-oriented view.

possibility of something

Substitutes "likelihood" with "possibility", suggesting a broader range of potential outcomes.

risk of something

Uses "risk" instead of "likelihood", focusing on potentially negative outcomes.

potential for something

Replaces "likelihood" with "potential", highlighting the inherent capacity for something to happen.

the degree to which something is likely

Rephrases the concept using a more descriptive and verbose structure.

the extent to which something is probable

Uses "extent" and "probable" to offer a more formal and nuanced expression.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "likelihood of something" in a sentence?

You can replace "likelihood of something" with alternatives such as "probability of something", "chance of something", or "odds of something", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "likelihood of something" and "probability of something"?

While "likelihood" and "probability" are often used interchangeably, "probability" is generally considered more formal and mathematically precise, whereas "likelihood of something" is slightly less formal but perfectly acceptable in most contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "likelihood of something" instead of "possibility of something"?

"Likelihood of something" implies a stronger chance of occurring compared to "possibility of something". Use "likelihood" when there is some evidence or reason to believe the event is more than just possible.

What are some common phrases used with "likelihood of something"?

Common phrases include "increase the "likelihood of something"", "decrease the "likelihood of something"", "high "likelihood of something"", and "low "likelihood of something"".