little likelihood of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "little likelihood of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a low probability or chance of something occurring. Example: "There is little likelihood of rain tomorrow, so we can go ahead with our picnic plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

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 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

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

The Guardian

But they said there was little likelihood of danger from exposure to the polonium.

The New York Times

In Congress, there appears to be little likelihood of a quick compromise.

The New York Times

Gervais Koutangni believed that there was little likelihood of a battle.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "little likelihood of", ensure the context clearly establishes what event or outcome is being deemed improbable. For clarity, follow the phrase with a specific and concrete subject.

Common error

Avoid using "little likelihood of" when there is considerable uncertainty or conflicting evidence. The phrase implies a level of confidence that may not be warranted in ambiguous situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "little likelihood of" functions as a qualifier, specifically expressing a low degree of probability or possibility. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its correctness and usability. It often precedes a noun or gerund, modifying the likelihood of a particular event or situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Encyclopedias

8%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Science

4%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "little likelihood of" is a versatile phrase used to express a low probability or chance of something occurring. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, with considerable use in encyclopedias and academic writing. When using this phrase, be sure to provide a specific subject and event for clarity, while avoiding its use when considerable uncertainty exists. Alternatives include phrases like "slim chance of" and "low probability of", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slim chance of

Emphasizes the small probability of an event occurring.

hardly any chance of

Directly expresses that the chance is very minimal.

low probability of

Uses more formal language to convey a similar meaning.

rare possibility of

Emphasizes how infrequently something is likely to occur.

remote possibility of

Highlights the distant or unlikely nature of a potential outcome.

negligible chance of

Indicates the chance is so small it's practically insignificant.

scant prospect of

Suggests a minimal outlook or expectation for something to happen.

not much prospect of

Focuses on the lack of favorable conditions or indications.

meager hope of

Indicates a small amount of optimism or expectation.

limited potential for

Highlights the restricted possibility for development or success.

FAQs

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

Use "little likelihood of" to express a low probability of something happening. For example, "There is "little likelihood of" the project being completed on time due to unforeseen delays".

What are some alternatives to "little likelihood of"?

You can use alternatives such as "slim chance of", "low probability of", or "remote possibility of" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it more formal to say "low probability of" instead of "little likelihood of"?

While both phrases are acceptable, "low probability of" tends to be more formal and is often used in technical or scientific contexts, whereas "little likelihood of" is suitable for general use.

What's the difference between "unlikely" and "little likelihood of"?

"Unlikely" is a single-word adjective meaning not likely to happen, while "little likelihood of" is a phrase that expresses the same concept with slightly more emphasis on the assessment of probability. Both can be used to describe something that is not expected to occur.