odds are high that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "odds are high that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a strong likelihood or probability of a certain outcome occurring. Example: "Given the current trends in the market, the odds are high that we will see an increase in sales next quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

The odds are high that the excise tax will never actually happen.

The New York Times

Well, the odds are high that we'll end up very frustrated.

The New York Times

When we go looking for a pattern, odds are high that we'll find one.

The New York Times

He added, "We're all hoping for good news, but the odds are high that unemployment will remain above 8 percent".

The New York Times

If she were practicing in any other advanced nation, the odds are high that she would never have been sued.

The New York Times

But the odds are high that he has health problems, even if they're unacknowledged by Vatican spokesmen.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

If those illnesses are ruled out, the odds are higher that a patient has anthrax.

The New York Times

"And he's correct that if a gun hadn't been involved... the odds are higher that [Belcher] would be alive".

Huffington Post

The odds are higher that any domestic attack will be propagated by a few individuals already living here, as was the case in Paris (none of the six currently-identified suspects was a Syrian national -- all were French or Belgian).

Huffington Post

"I thought the odds were high that he was joking," he said.

The New York Times

As far as I understood, Abobaker's integrity was intact, but because of a security scare in the preceding days, odds were high that ISIS was monitoring him.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "odds are high that" to express a strong likelihood based on available evidence or reasoning. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but consider the audience and adjust accordingly.

Common error

While "odds are high that" is generally acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing. Alternatives like "it is highly probable that" or "the likelihood is strong that" might be more appropriate in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "odds are high that" functions as an adverbial clause, modifying a verb or entire sentence to express a high degree of probability or likelihood. This aligns with Ludwig AI, which confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "odds are high that" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate a strong probability or likelihood. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly news and media, with a neutral register. While versatile, be mindful of using more formal alternatives in academic settings. Remember, while it's tempting to use the phrase frequently, be aware of alternative words so that you keep your language fresh and engaging.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is very likely that

Directly indicates a high degree of likelihood.

it is highly probable that

Emphasizes probability with a slightly more formal tone.

the likelihood is strong that

More formal and emphasizes likelihood.

chances are good that

More informal and conversational.

there's a good chance that

Similar to "chances are good that" but slightly more emphatic.

it's almost certain that

Suggests a near certainty.

it's quite possible that

Indicates a strong possibility.

it seems probable that

Suggests probability based on observation.

one can expect that

Highlights anticipation of an outcome.

it is anticipated that

Suggests expectation of an event.

FAQs

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

You can use "odds are high that" to express a strong likelihood or probability. For example, "Given the current market trends, "odds are high that" we'll see increased sales next quarter."

What are some alternatives to "odds are high that"?

You can use alternatives like "it is likely that", "there's a strong chance that", or "chances are good that" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "odds are high that" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "it is highly probable that" or "the likelihood is strong that" in academic or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "odds are high that" and "it's possible that"?

"Odds are high that" suggests a greater degree of likelihood compared to "it's possible that". The former indicates a strong probability, while the latter simply acknowledges a possibility without implying its likelihood.