odds are that

USAGE SUMMARY

"odds are that" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express that something is likely to happen. For example, "Odds are that I'll finish the book by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the odds are that will not happen.

The New York Times - Sports

The odds are that FASB will take the same view.

The Economist

The odds are that Cameron will be disappointed.

The Guardian

But the odds are that hostility will get even worse.

The New York Times

The odds are that Caroline would do very well there.

The New Yorker

The odds are that these are all fakes.

The New Yorker

Without it, the odds are that we would have sunk.

The Guardian - Books

The overwhelming odds are that he's thinking of something funnier.

The New Yorker

The odds are that he will be released soon.

Independent

So the odds are that none of this will happen.

The Economist

But the odds are that, in the end, he will.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "odds are that" to introduce a statement about something likely to happen based on current conditions or past trends. It's a good way to set expectations or make predictions in both formal and informal writing.

Common error

While acceptable, consistently using "odds are that" in formal documents can make the writing sound less professional. In such scenarios, opt for alternatives like "it is probable that" or "in all likelihood" to maintain a more elevated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "odds are that" functions as an idiomatic expression used to express a strong likelihood or probability. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It introduces a statement that is expected to be true based on the available evidence or current circumstances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

14%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "odds are that" is a common and acceptable way to express a high probability or likelihood. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It functions as an idiomatic expression and is predominantly used in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in tone, more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic or scientific writing. To maintain writing quality, avoid overuse in formal contexts and consider related phrases like "it's likely that" or "chances are that" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's likely that

Emphasizes the probability of an event, shifting focus to the likelihood itself.

chances are that

Uses "chances" instead of "odds", providing a slightly more informal tone while retaining the same meaning.

it is probable that

A more formal alternative, replacing the idiomatic "odds are" with a direct statement of probability.

in all likelihood

An adverbial phrase that directly states the high probability of something.

it's expected that

Focuses on anticipation or expectation, suggesting a forecast rather than pure chance.

most likely

A shorter, more direct way of expressing high probability.

it's anticipated that

Similar to "it's expected that", this option emphasizes expectation but with a more formal tone.

it's foreseeable that

Highlights the predictability of an event, implying that it can be seen in advance.

one can expect that

Indicates a general expectation that something will occur, based on precedent or current conditions.

it's reasonable to assume

Shifts the focus to the act of assumption based on available information.

FAQs

What does "odds are that" mean?

The phrase "odds are that" means it is likely that something will happen. It suggests a high probability based on current circumstances or available information.

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

You can use "odds are that" to introduce a statement about a likely outcome. For example, "Odds are that" it will rain tomorrow, so bring an umbrella.

What are some alternatives to "odds are that"?

Alternatives include "it's likely that", "chances are that", or "in all likelihood". Choose the one that best fits the tone and context of your writing.

Is "odds are that" formal or informal?

The phrase "odds are that" is generally considered neutral to informal. While acceptable in many contexts, more formal alternatives like "it is probable that" may be more suitable for formal writing.