little likelihood

USAGE SUMMARY

"little likelihood" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the idea that there is a very small chance that something might happen. Example: There is little likelihood that she will change her mind.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There's little likelihood of that.

Independent

There is little likelihood of that happening.

The New York Times

There is little likelihood of this happening.

The Guardian - Opinion

There is little likelihood of the government changing tack.

The Guardian

There seems little likelihood of that happening soon.

The New York Times

But a Treasury Department official said there was little likelihood the assets would soon be released.

The New York Times

But a look at recent trends suggests there is little likelihood of a major breakthrough.

The Guardian

"With employment now starting to slow, we see little likelihood of a recovery in consumption".

The New York Times

Unfortunately, Mr. Paulsen sees little likelihood that the dollar will decline significantly soon.

The New York Times

There seems little likelihood that the group was anywhere near to carrying out an attack.

The New York Times

Despite the lingering resentment there seems little likelihood of a Chadian spring.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "little likelihood", consider the audience and context. For formal settings, "low probability" might be more appropriate, while "slim chance" could suit informal conversations.

Common error

Avoid using "little likelihood" when there's actually no chance of something happening. Use stronger terms like "impossible" or "no chance" to accurately reflect the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "little likelihood" functions as a noun phrase that quantifies the probability of an event occurring. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, indicating its usability in various contexts. Its primary function is to express a low degree of probability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

12%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "little likelihood" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a low probability of an event occurring. Ludwig AI confirms this, supported by numerous examples from reliable sources, primarily in news and media. While alternatives like "low probability" or "slim chance" exist, the choice depends on the desired level of formality and emphasis. It's important to avoid overstating certainty and to use the phrase appropriately when there's at least some possibility, however small, of the event occurring. The usage is common, and understanding these nuances can enhance clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

low probability

Replaces "likelihood" with a more direct term for probability; it's a more technical alternative.

small chance

Uses "small" instead of "little" to express a limited chance of something happening.

minimal chance

Replaces "little" with "minimal" for emphasis.

remote possibility

Emphasizes the distance or unlikeliness of the event occurring.

unlikely prospect

Directly states that the chance is not probable.

slim chance

Uses a more informal expression to indicate a small possibility.

rare possibility

Highlights how infrequently the possibility might occur.

slight prospect

Substitutes "likelihood" with "prospect", suggesting a faint hope or expectation.

scant prospect

Uses 'scant' to emphasize the limited nature of the prospect.

negligible probability

Indicates that the chance is so small it's almost not worth considering.

FAQs

How can I use "little likelihood" in a sentence?

You can use "little likelihood" to express a low probability of something happening. For example, "There is "little likelihood" that the project will be completed on time due to unforeseen circumstances."

What are some alternatives to "little likelihood"?

Alternatives include "low probability", "slim chance", or "remote possibility". The choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "there is a little likelihood"?

While grammatically correct, "there is "little likelihood"" is more common and idiomatic than "there is a little likelihood". The former emphasizes the improbability more directly.

What is the difference between "little likelihood" and "no likelihood"?

"Little likelihood" suggests a small chance, while "no likelihood" means there is absolutely no chance of something occurring. The former allows for a slight possibility, while the latter does not.