raise the chances

USAGE SUMMARY

"raise the chances" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used in a context where one is increasing the odds of achieving a certain outcome. For example, "I have been studying diligently to raise the chances of getting accepted to a top university."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

But it would raise the chances of both.

The Economist

Yet delays raise the chances of renewed protest and play into the hands of hardliners.

The Economist

That can raise the chances of default and lower potential recoveries.

The New York Times

He warned that a No-Deal would raise the chances of "negative quarters" of growth.

The Guardian - Business

Releasing them unprepared for all that would risk them being overwhelmed and raise the chances of problems.

Independent

He's clumsily aided by sidekick Mike, whose clown-like antics might raise the chances of a smirk.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Therefore, PSP toxins with antagonism effect can raise the chance of cell survival by blocking inflow of Na+.

Biosensors and Bioelectronics

Development by teachers for teachers may lead to greater investment and raise the chance of follow-up implementation.

The Guardian

They will, he says, raise the chance that China will decide to operate within the global system rather than build its own alternative way of pursuing its interests.

The Economist

They also raise the chance of potentially catastrophic miscalculation by both sides -- an issue we must urgently deal with through positive engagement with the Chinese Navy.

The New York Times

When F ′ is lower than (bar F), the higher crossover probability is used to raise the chance of emergence of new and improved individuals.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "raise the chances" when you want to emphasize that a specific action or strategy will increase the likelihood of a particular outcome. It is effective in both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using passive voice constructions when describing actions intended to "raise the chances" of something. Instead of saying 'The chances were raised by implementing...', a stronger statement would be 'Implementing... raised the chances'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "raise the chances" functions as a verb phrase that expresses the action of increasing the probability or likelihood of something happening. It's often followed by a prepositional phrase indicating what the chances are being raised of.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "raise the chances" is a common and versatile verb phrase used to express an increase in the probability of a particular outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for various contexts, including news, science, and business. While alternatives like "increase the likelihood" exist, "raise the chances" remains a straightforward and effective way to convey the idea of improving one's odds. Remember to use active voice for stronger statements and to tailor your word choice to the specific context to ensure clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increase the likelihood

This alternative emphasizes the increase in the probability of something happening, using 'likelihood' instead of 'chances'.

improve the odds

This alternative uses a more informal term, 'odds', to convey the concept of improving the probability of success.

enhance the prospects

This alternative focuses on improving the future outlook or potential for success.

boost the probability

This alternative uses the verb 'boost' to highlight the action of increasing the likelihood.

maximize the opportunity

This alternative shifts the focus to making the most of an opportunity to achieve a desired outcome.

heighten the possibility

This alternative employs 'heighten' to describe an increase in the potential for an event to occur.

amplify the potential

This alternative suggests a more significant increase in the possibility or capacity for something.

augment the likelihood

This alternative uses a more formal term, 'augment', to indicate an increase in likelihood.

bolster the odds

This alternative employs 'bolster' to suggest strengthening or supporting the chances of success.

advance the opportunity

This alternative suggests that an opportunity has been developed in order to increase probability.

FAQs

How can I use "raise the chances" in a sentence?

You can use "raise the chances" to describe actions that increase the likelihood of a specific outcome. For example, "Studying regularly will "raise the chances" of passing the exam."

What are some alternatives to "raise the chances"?

Some alternatives include "increase the likelihood", "improve the odds", or "enhance the prospects", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it more formal to say "increase the likelihood" or "raise the chances"?

Increase the likelihood is generally considered more formal than "raise the chances". The latter is perfectly acceptable in most contexts, but the former may be preferred in academic or professional settings.

What's the difference between "raise the chances" and "guarantee success"?

"Raise the chances" implies increasing the probability of success without assuring it. "Guarantee success" means ensuring a positive outcome, leaving no room for failure. Immunization, for example, does not simply "raise the chances" that children will resist a disease: it virtually guarantees they will.