odds are

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "odds are" is a commonly used expression in written English.
It is used to express a probability that something will happen, based on the known facts or data. For example, "Odds are that he will be elected, considering the polling figures we have seen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The odds are formidable.

The New York Times

The odds are zero.

The New York Times

The odds are stacked.

The New Yorker

"My odds are stacked".

The New York Times - Arts

The odds are daunting.

The New York Times

The odds are small.

The New York Times - Sports

Those odds are frightening.

The Guardian

The odds are against her.

The Economist

But the odds are weighted.

The Economist

Now the odds are raised.

The Economist

The odds are surprisingly long.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "odds are" to express a general assessment of probability based on available information. It's suitable when you want to convey that something is likely, but not certain.

Common error

Avoid using "odds are" when you're discussing something that is already confirmed or a known fact. Reserve it for situations involving uncertainty and likelihood, not established truths.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "odds are" functions as an idiomatic expression used to indicate the probability or likelihood of a particular outcome. It serves to express an assessment based on available information, suggesting that something is likely to happen, but not guaranteed. Ludwig confirms this usage, showing various examples in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "odds are" is a versatile expression used to convey the probability or likelihood of an event. As highlighted by Ludwig, its grammatical function is correct, and it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to avoid using it for certainties. Alternative phrases like "chances are" or "it is likely" can be used depending on the desired formality. This makes "odds are" a handy tool for expressing probabilistic assessments in a wide array of situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chances are

Replaces "odds" with "chances", a synonym expressing probability.

the likelihood is

Specifically uses "likelihood" to denote probability.

it is likely

Uses a more formal structure to express likelihood.

it is probable

Employs "probable" to convey a strong possibility.

in all probability

Emphasizes the probabilistic nature of the statement.

it is to be expected

Focuses on the expectation of an event occurring.

the expectation is

Highlights the expected outcome based on available information.

one can anticipate

Suggests an anticipation based on current conditions.

it stands to reason

Indicates that something is logically likely.

it's a good bet

Informal way of saying something is likely to happen.

FAQs

How can I use "odds are" in a sentence?

Use "odds are" to express a probability. For example, "Odds are, it will rain tomorrow" suggests that rain is likely based on current conditions.

What can I say instead of "odds are"?

You can use alternatives like "chances are", "it is likely", or "in all probability" depending on the context.

Is it formal or informal to say "odds are"?

"Odds are" is generally considered to be neutral in tone, suitable for both informal and semi-formal contexts, but less appropriate for highly formal or academic writing. You can use "it is probable" to be more formal.

What's the difference between "odds are" and "it is certain"?

"Odds are" indicates a probability or likelihood, while "it is certain" indicates a definite, guaranteed outcome. Use "odds are" when there is a chance of something happening, and "it is certain" when the outcome is known.