modest likelihood of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modest likelihood of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the probability or chance of an event occurring, particularly when that probability is considered to be low or moderate. Example: "There is a modest likelihood of rain tomorrow, so you might want to bring an umbrella just in case."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

A 2013 UCLA study published in the BMC Public Health journal found a correlation between outdoor food advertisements and modest increased likelihood of obesity.

Huffington Post

It is a job for the poor who calculate that the income, however modest, outweighs the likelihood of injury and the constant specter of death.

The New York Times

In spite of it being a self-limiting disease with only modest severity, the likelihood of geographical range expansion is a cause for concern.

Emerging Health Threats Journal

This translational intervention had at most a modest impact on likelihood of prompt treatment intensification, and for only two of three priority groups (hypertension and hyperlipidemia).

BMC Health Services Research

Let us imagine that it were to be suggested that exposure to nano-particles increased, to a modest extent, the likelihood of development of Alzheimer's disease.

Emerging Health Threats Journal

Robert Gardner chief economist at Nationwide predicted house prices  would accelerate at a modest pace, despite the likelihood of interest rate increase from the middle of next year.

Independent

However, the magnitude of such differences is modest, therefore minimising the likelihood of bias.

British Journal of Nutrition

Conclusion A structured approach to care in hospital labour assessment units increased satisfaction with care and was suggestive of a modest increase in the likelihood of spontaneous vaginal birth.

British Medical Journal

The presence of alarm or GERD symptoms had only a modest effect on the likelihood of obtaining an EGD: 32% of patients with alarm symptoms and 24% of those with GERD had an EGD, as compared to 14% with no additional documented symptoms.

Helicobacter

As shown in Table  2, during follow-up, there was a modest but significantly greater likelihood of reporting washing (AOR 1.35; 95% CI 1.22 1.50, Chi-square P < 0.0001), wiping (AOR 1.14; 95% CI 1.05 1.24, Chi-square P = 0.002) or use of soap and water (AOR 1.23; 95% CI 1.07 1.41, Chi-square P = 0.003) among women in the intervention group compared to those in the control group.

AIDS and Behavior

As far as the Presidential election goes, the likelihood of continued, modest growth points to a close race.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "modest likelihood of", ensure the context clearly reflects that the probability is neither negligible nor high, but somewhere in between. This phrase is effective when you want to acknowledge a possibility without overstating its importance.

Common error

Avoid using "modest likelihood of" when the actual probability is extremely low or virtually nonexistent. This phrase suggests a tangible, albeit small, chance, so ensure it aligns with the actual circumstances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modest likelihood of" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or within a prepositional phrase. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. It expresses a measured assessment of probability.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "modest likelihood of" is a grammatically sound and usable expression in English, as affirmed by Ludwig. It serves to describe a probability or chance that is moderate, neither extremely high nor negligible. While its usage isn't exceedingly common, it fits well in various contexts, especially in conveying balanced and nuanced assessments. When employing this phrase, ensure that the probability it describes aligns with the actual circumstances to avoid misrepresentation. Consider using alternatives like "slight chance of" or "low probability of" depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slight chance of

Emphasizes the small degree of possibility.

low probability of

Highlights the mathematical or statistical aspect of the possibility being low.

limited prospect of

Focuses on the future outlook and suggests constraints on potential outcomes.

small possibility of

Directly states that the chance of something happening is not substantial.

remote chance of

Indicates a very low and distant possibility.

minimal expectation of

Implies that there is very little reason to believe something will occur.

slim hope of

Conveys a sense of desperation or wishful thinking despite the low probability.

reduced likelihood of

Highlights that the original probability has decreased.

slight tendency toward

Indicates a weak inclination or predisposition towards something.

moderate potential for

Suggests a limited but still noteworthy capacity for something to develop or happen.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "modest likelihood of" to sound more formal?

To achieve a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "limited prospect of" or "reduced likelihood of". These alternatives convey a similar meaning while maintaining a professional register.

What's the difference between "modest likelihood of" and "slight chance of"?

While both phrases indicate a low probability, "modest likelihood of" suggests a slightly more quantifiable or statistically based assessment, whereas "slight chance of" might be used in more general or informal contexts.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "modest likelihood of"?

The phrase isn't grammatically incorrect, but it can be misleading if the actual probability is negligible or nonexistent. Ensure the context accurately reflects a tangible, though small, chance. Using "remote chance of" might be more appropriate for a virtually impossible outcome.

In what situations is "modest likelihood of" most appropriate?

This phrase works best when discussing possibilities that are neither highly probable nor entirely dismissible. It is suitable for scenarios where there is some reason to believe something could happen, even if the chances are relatively low. For instance, "There is a modest likelihood of rain tomorrow" suggests a slightly higher chance than simply saying "low probability of rain".