most likely outcome

USAGE SUMMARY

"most likely outcome" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to the most probable result or consequence from a given situation. For example, "Given the current economic situation, the most likely outcome is a long and deep recession."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And that, despite his unpopularity, still looks like the most likely outcome.

The Guardian

This, or something like it, remains the most likely outcome, and it would be disastrous.

The Guardian - Opinion

A scenario like 2 is the most likely outcome.

SEP

The most likely outcome?

The Economist

The most likely outcome is a settlement.

The New Yorker

This was not the most likely outcome.

The Guardian - Film

That's still the most likely outcome.

The Washington Post

That would seem the most likely outcome.

The Guardian

That, unfortunately, seems the most likely outcome.

MIT Technology Review

The most likely outcome is fresh elections on 26 June.

The Guardian

Those are not forecasts of the most likely outcome.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing potential future events, using "most likely outcome" helps to clearly indicate the scenario that is considered the most probable based on available information. It sets a clear expectation while acknowledging that other outcomes are possible.

Common error

Avoid presenting the "most likely outcome" as a guaranteed event. Use qualifiers like "likely", "probable", or "expected" to maintain a degree of uncertainty, acknowledging that unforeseen factors can alter the course of events.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "most likely outcome" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object within a sentence. It identifies or describes the most probable result or consequence in a given situation, as confirmed by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

7%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "most likely outcome" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that serves to highlight the most probable result or consequence of a situation. As indicated by Ludwig, its grammatical function primarily involves acting as a noun phrase that serves as a subject complement or object within sentences. The phrase finds common ground in various sources, including news outlets, business and scientific literature. It is deemed grammatically correct and suitable for formal and objective contexts. When using this expression, it's essential to avoid overstating certainty and recognize the presence of unforeseen factors. Related phrases, such as "most probable result" and "most expected consequence", offer similar meanings while allowing for subtle variations in tone and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most probable result

Replaces "outcome" with "result", focusing on the end consequence but maintaining the idea of probability.

most expected consequence

Substitutes "likely" with "expected" and "outcome" with "consequence", highlighting anticipation and effect.

most predictable development

Changes "likely outcome" to "predictable development", emphasizing foreseeability and unfolding events.

most anticipated eventuality

Replaces "likely outcome" with "anticipated eventuality", focusing on something that is expected to happen.

most foreseeable conclusion

Substitutes "likely" with "foreseeable" and "outcome" with "conclusion", highlighting anticipation and finality.

most credible scenario

Replaces the entire phrase with "credible scenario", focusing on the plausibility and believability of a situation.

most realistic prospect

Changes "likely outcome" to "realistic prospect", emphasizing the practicality and feasibility of a future event.

the odds favor

This is an idiomatic expression meaning something is probable. It is less direct than "most likely outcome".

the smart money is on

This idiomatic alternative implies a forecast based on educated assumptions and insights.

best bet

An informal way of saying something is the most likely to happen or be successful.

FAQs

How can I use "most likely outcome" in a sentence?

You can use "most likely outcome" to describe the scenario that has the highest chance of occurring given the available information. For instance, "Considering all factors, the "most likely outcome" is a compromise between the parties involved."

What phrases are similar to "most likely outcome"?

Alternatives to "most likely outcome" include phrases like "most probable result", "most expected consequence", or "most predictable development", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "most likely outcome" in formal writing?

Yes, "most likely outcome" is suitable for formal writing, especially when analyzing potential scenarios or making predictions based on evidence. It provides a clear and professional way to communicate the most probable result.

What's the difference between "most likely outcome" and "best-case scenario"?

"Most likely outcome" refers to the scenario that is considered the most probable based on current information. A "best-case scenario" describes the most optimistic possible result, even if it's not the most probable. The former focuses on probability, while the latter focuses on potential benefit.