probability of

USAGE SUMMARY

"probability of" is a perfectly valid phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the likelihood that something will occur. For example, "There is a high probability of rain tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"And Nevada, probability of zero.

The Guardian

Super Tuesday, probability of zero".

The Guardian

The probability of sunshine is 75%.

The Economist

What's the probability of another recession?

The New York Times

"It's about improving the probability of safety.

The Guardian - Tech

The probability of someone's having an I.Q.

The New Yorker

Do you know the probability of winning?

The New York Times

There's the probability of a pleasant one.

The New York Times - Food

"What is the probability of default?

The New York Times

What is the probability of this happening?

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

This is a high-probability-of-failure mission.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing statistical or scientific contexts, use "probability of" to maintain a formal and precise tone. For instance, in research papers or reports.

Common error

Avoid using "probability of" when you actually mean certainty. "Probability of" indicates a degree of likelihood, not a guaranteed outcome. Use "certainty of" or "guarantee of" when something is assured.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "probability of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb. It introduces the concept of likelihood or chance associated with a particular event or outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "probability of" is a versatile and widely used prepositional phrase to express likelihood in various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it maintains grammatical correctness and relevance in diverse fields, including news, science, and business. While alternatives like "likelihood of" and "chance of" exist, understanding the nuances of "probability of" ensures precise communication. This guide offers best practices, addresses common errors, and answers frequently asked questions, providing writers with a comprehensive understanding of its usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

likelihood of

Replaces "probability" with a direct synonym, focusing on the chance of something happening.

chance of

Emphasizes the possibility of an event, often used in informal contexts.

odds of

Implies a comparison or ratio of favorable outcomes to unfavorable ones.

prospect of

Suggests a future possibility, often carrying a sense of anticipation or concern.

potential for

Highlights the capacity or possibility for something to develop or occur.

risk of

Focuses on the possibility of a negative outcome or danger.

likelihood that

Shifts the structure to introduce a clause describing the event.

possibility that

Highlights the chance that something might occur or be true.

degree of certainty for

Specifies the level of confidence in a prediction or outcome.

incidience of

Referring to frequency of a disease or an event in a population.

FAQs

How can I use "probability of" in a sentence?

Use "probability of" to express the likelihood of an event occurring. For example, "There is a high "probability of" rain tomorrow" or "Scientists calculated the "probability of" the experiment's success".

What is a good alternative to "probability of"?

Alternatives include "likelihood of", "chance of", or "odds of", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it correct to say "the probability of it happening"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. You can also say "the "probability that" it will happen", but "the probability of it happening" is more concise and commonly used.

What is the difference between "probability of" and "possibility of"?

"Probability of" implies a quantifiable likelihood, often based on data or calculations. "Possibility of" simply indicates that something could occur, without specifying how likely it is.