low probability

USAGE SUMMARY

"low probability" is a valid and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is unlikely to happen or has a slim chance of occurring. For example: "Given the current conditions, there is a low probability that the tournament will be able to take place this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

"I think it's such a low probability.

The New York Times

I'd put a low probability on them easing".

The New York Times

Do you worry about accidents if they are low probability?

The New York Times

Risk assessments deem each such event a low probability, Mr. Thompson said.

The New York Times - Health

It would take a combination of events, each of low probability, to produce a large outbreak.

The New York Times

"But it is an extremely low probability that the deal gets done".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Such low-probability hypotheses often fail.

The New York Times - Science

Is crime a low-probability danger?

The New York Times

Each scenario is a low-probability event.

The Guardian - Opinion

We believe this is a low-probability event.

The Guardian - Business

We tend to treat low-probability events as if they were impossible.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing risks or potential outcomes, use "low probability" to accurately convey the unlikelihood of an event, ensuring clarity in your assessment. For instance, "There is a "low probability" of equipment failure if the maintenance schedule is followed strictly".

Common error

Avoid treating a "low probability" event as impossible. Even if an event is unlikely, it's essential to acknowledge the possibility, especially in risk management and planning scenarios. For example, rather than saying 'It will never happen', state 'There is a "low probability" of it happening, but we still need a contingency plan'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "low probability" functions as an adjectival modifier followed by a noun. It describes the degree of likelihood associated with a particular event or outcome. As shown in Ludwig, it is a common construction across diverse fields and contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "low probability" is a versatile and frequently used phrase, particularly in News & Media and Science, for expressing the unlikelihood of an event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase for risk assessment, planning, and informed decision-making. Remember to use "low probability" accurately, distinguishing it from impossibility, and consider context-appropriate synonyms like "slight chance" or "remote possibility" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small likelihood

Simply replaces "low" with "small", a direct synonym.

poor probability

Replaces "low" with "poor", emphasizing a negative assessment of the likelihood.

minimal likelihood

Replaces "probability" with "likelihood" and "low" with "minimal", maintaining a formal tone.

slight chance

Uses "chance" instead of "probability", offering a more informal alternative.

remote possibility

Substitutes "probability" with "possibility" and "low" with "remote", indicating something unlikely.

unlikely event

Rephrases the concept as an event that is not likely to happen.

slim chance

Uses "slim" to describe the chance, emphasizing its smallness.

meager possibility

Emphasizes the smallness of the possibility using the word "meager".

negligible prospect

Indicates that the prospect is so small it can be ignored.

rare occurrence

Focuses on the infrequency of the event instead of its likelihood.

FAQs

How can I use "low probability" in a sentence?

You can use "low probability" to describe an event that is unlikely to occur. For example, "The analysis indicates a "low probability" of flooding in this area".

What are some alternatives to saying "low probability"?

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

Is it appropriate to use "low probability" in formal writing?

Yes, "low probability" is suitable for formal writing. It is a clear and precise way to describe something that is unlikely to happen, and it is commonly used in academic, scientific, and business contexts.

What's the difference between "low probability" and "high probability"?

"Low probability" indicates that an event is unlikely to occur, while "high probability" means that an event is likely to happen. These terms are opposites on a spectrum of likelihood.