raise the odds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "raise the odds" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing increasing the likelihood or probability of a certain outcome or event occurring. Example: "By implementing these new strategies, we hope to raise the odds of success for our project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But how do you raise the odds of doing this?

Harvard Business Review

That kind of determination may raise the odds but says little about long-term success.

The New York Times - Tech

Here's why and what you can do to raise the odds of success.

Harvard Business Review

Such invasive procedures may raise the odds that a patient develops PTSD.

The New York Times

Certain personality disorders also raise the odds of drug abuse and alcohol abuse.

The New York Times - Health

That, in turn, will raise the odds of hitting the ZLB.

The Economist

Lower interest rates raise the odds that risk takers can sell bad investments with less of a loss.

The New York Times

We could raise the odds of an attack, and then the shield might not work when it happens.

The New York Times

A Democratic takeover of the House would raise the odds that Congress would continue blocking cuts to research.

The New York Times

It could, however, raise the odds of the company doing the right thing in 2013 – breaking into pieces.

The New York Times

Excessively low American rates would raise the odds of new asset bubbles and impede the rebalancing of the global economy.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "raise the odds", ensure the context clearly indicates what outcome's probability is being increased. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "raise the odds" when the action taken has no direct influence on the outcome's probability. Ensure there's a logical connection between the action and the increased likelihood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "raise the odds" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action taken to increase the probability or likelihood of a specific outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

17%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "raise the odds" is a versatile and frequently used expression that signifies increasing the likelihood of a particular outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, ranging from news reporting and academic writing to general conversation. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media, Academia, Science and Formal & Business sources. Related phrases include "increase the likelihood" and "improve the chances". When using "raise the odds", it is important to ensure the context clarifies what outcome is being made more probable. Overall, "raise the odds" is a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increase the likelihood

Focuses on likelihood rather than odds, emphasizing the probability of something happening.

improve the chances

Uses the term "chances" instead of "odds", providing a more informal alternative.

enhance the probability

A more formal and statistical way to express increasing the likelihood.

boost the prospects

Shifts the focus to potential future outcomes or possibilities.

maximize the potential

Implies reaching the highest possible level of probability.

favor success

Indicates creating conditions that make success more likely.

make more probable

A straightforward and direct way to state increasing probability.

stack the deck

An idiomatic expression suggesting manipulation to increase the chances of a favorable outcome.

weight the scales

Similar to "stack the deck", it implies influencing the outcome in one's favor.

tip the balance

Suggests making a small change that significantly affects the outcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "raise the odds" to describe actions that increase the likelihood of a particular outcome. For example, "Investing in education can "raise the odds" of securing a higher-paying job".

What phrases are similar to "raise the odds"?

Similar phrases include "increase the likelihood", "improve the chances", and "enhance the probability".

Is it appropriate to use "raise the odds" in formal writing?

Yes, "raise the odds" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, as it is widely understood and grammatically correct. However, in very formal contexts, "increase the probability" might be preferred.

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

"Raise the odds" implies increasing the likelihood of success, but it does not ensure it. "Guarantee success" means the outcome is certain. Therefore, "raise the odds" suggests improving chances, while guarantee success promises a definite result.