more probable than not

USAGE SUMMARY

'more probable than not' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are trying to make a strong suggestion or emphasis on something being more likely than not, such as a judicial determination or a fact that is generally accepted. For example, "It is more probable than not that the defendant was negligent in causing the accident."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

So, what is more probable than not to have happened?

The New Yorker

At this point, [it's] more probable than not that [the G.O.P. will] take those two states.

The New Yorker

Brady's "more probable than not" cheating is secondary to this original sin.

The Guardian - Sport

Was the "more probable than not" evidence cited in the Wells Report strong enough to convict Tom Brady?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The standard for such charges — probable cause, or more probable than not — is generally a very easy hurdle.

The New Yorker

In such areas, it is more probable than not that citizens would be more likely to carry weapons authorized by the State to protect themselves.

Cornell University

An independent investigator found that it was "more probable than not" that Brady was "at least generally aware of the inappropriate activities" in the game against the Colts.

The Guardian - Sport

Grand juries require prosecutors to prove there was probable cause – that is, more probable than not – that a crime has been committed, before a case moves to trial.

The Guardian - Opinion

If it sticks, as now seems more probable than not, the fraught period leading up to the agreement will go down as his finest hour.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I think you have to raise the standards to more probable than not … that you have a valid asylum claim," he said.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Perhaps this is the reason for the "fuzzy" wording ("...more probable than not... ..) in the report.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "more probable than not" to indicate a higher likelihood or reasonable certainty, particularly in legal or formal contexts where precision is important.

Common error

Avoid using "more probable than not" when absolute certainty is required; the phrase indicates a higher likelihood, not a guaranteed outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more probable than not" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. It indicates a level of likelihood greater than 50%, suggesting that something is more likely to be true or to occur than not, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

30%

Science

27%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "more probable than not" is a phrase used to express a higher degree of likelihood, often in formal contexts such as legal, academic, and news reporting. It indicates that something is more likely to be true than not, though without absolute certainty. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. When writing, remember to use this phrase in situations where a qualified judgment is needed, but avoid using it when absolute certainty is required. Alternatives such as "more likely than not" or "in all likelihood" can be used depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more likely than not

Emphasizes likelihood, similar to the original phrase but with slightly different wording.

in all likelihood

Indicates a high probability or expectation.

odds are

Suggests a favorable chance of something happening.

chances are

Expresses a probability, often used informally.

it is reasonable to assume

Introduces an assumption based on available evidence or circumstances.

it stands to reason

Indicates a logical conclusion based on the given facts.

it's a good bet

Suggests a high level of confidence in an outcome.

one can expect

Indicates an anticipation or expectation of an event.

it is to be expected

Implies that something is likely to occur based on precedent or circumstances.

presumably

Suggests something is likely true based on the available evidence, but without absolute certainty.

FAQs

How can I use "more probable than not" in a sentence?

You can use "more probable than not" to express that something is more likely to have occurred or to be true than not. For example: "It is "more probable than not" that the defendant was aware of the risks."

What's the difference between "more probable than not" and "probable cause"?

"More probable than not" indicates a greater likelihood, while "probable cause" is a legal standard requiring sufficient evidence to believe a crime has been committed. They both deal with likelihood but in different legal contexts.

What are some alternatives to saying "more probable than not"?

Alternatives include "more likely than not", "in all likelihood", or "odds are", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "more probable than not" a formal or informal phrase?

"More probable than not" is generally considered a formal phrase, often used in legal, academic, and professional contexts. More informal alternatives might include "chances are".