probability is low

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "probability is low" is grammatically correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to convey the idea that the chance of something happening is limited. For example, "The probability that the team will win the championship is low, given their current form."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"The probability is low but you cannot rule it out".

The New York Times

As expected, this probability is low at short times and increases while loading is continuing.

Stochastic Crack Propagation Essential Practical Aspects

"I would have to say there is a possibility of bankruptcy, but the probability is low," said David Cole, chairman of the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor, Mich.

The New York Times

With that party now in control of the White House and Congress, chances increase that some or all of them will become law, even as the probability is low that Trump's entire budget will be enacted as proposed.

The Washington Post

Although the probability is low that any individual user will suffer a complication, the huge patient exposure translates into a major health care problem.

Clinical Update

Recent studies have suggested that anticoagulant treatment can safely be withheld if the clinical probability is low and the D-dimer concentration in blood is normal.

European Journal of Internal Medicine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Without fire, the probability was low.

The New York Times - Science

The ensemble experiment also reproduced the two northern intense vortices, though their generation probability was low.

Progress in Earth and Planetary Science

We wanted to see whether curiosity was evoked by TOT states regardless of whether their overall probability was low or high.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

Population estimates deviated from normality when the survey proportion and detection probability were low but otherwise appeared substantially normally distributed.

Plosone

Population estimates from the DO method were highly variable when the detection probability was low and we agree with Nichols et al. (2000) that the DO method should not be used when the detection probability is less than 40%.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "probability is low" when you want to objectively state that an event is unlikely, but avoid overusing it in informal contexts where more descriptive language might be appropriate.

Common error

Avoid treating a low probability event as impossible. Even if the "probability is low", the event can still occur, and planning should account for this possibility, especially in risk management.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "probability is low" functions as a statement of likelihood. It indicates that the chance of a particular event or outcome occurring is minimal. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and serves to express a quantitative or qualitative assessment of risk or possibility. Examples show it being used across diverse fields.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

63%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "probability is low" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate that an event is unlikely. According to Ludwig AI, it's correct and appropriate for conveying a limited chance of something occurring. Our analysis revealed that the expression sees the most use in Scientific and News & Media contexts. While versatile, it's essential to consider the setting in which you are writing, and remember to not equate low probability with impossibility. Remember that there are numerous alternatives to "probability is low", such as "the odds are slim" or "it's not very likely", which can enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the odds are slim

Focuses on the unlikelihood using a gambling metaphor.

the chance is slight

Emphasizes the smallness of the possibility.

it's not very likely

Uses a more conversational and direct negation of likelihood.

it's improbable

Replaces "low probability" with a single adjective indicating unlikelihood.

there's little prospect

Shifts focus to the lack of a favorable outcome or expectation.

it's a long shot

Implies a low chance of success, often in a competitive situation.

the outlook is bleak

Suggests a negative or unfavorable future scenario.

it's doubtful

Conveys uncertainty and a lack of confidence in the outcome.

the possibility is remote

Highlights the distance or unlikelihood of the event occurring.

it's a pipe dream

Indicates an unrealistic or fanciful hope.

FAQs

How can I use "probability is low" in a sentence?

You can use "probability is low" to indicate that something is unlikely to happen. For example, "The probability of winning the lottery is low" or "Although there's a possibility of rain, the probability is low".

What are some alternatives to saying "probability is low"?

Alternatives include phrases like "the odds are slim", "the chance is slight", or "it's not very likely", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "the probability is low" or "there is a low probability"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey the same meaning. The choice depends on stylistic preference and the surrounding sentence structure. "The probability is low" is often more concise.

When should I avoid using the phrase "probability is low"?

While grammatically sound, "probability is low" might sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using more colloquial alternatives in informal settings.