raise the probability

USAGE SUMMARY

This is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that will increase the likelihood that an event will occur. For example, "The company is taking steps to raise the probability that they will meet their quarterly target."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And a Greek departure would raise the probability of others leaving, causing contagion throughout Southern Europe.

The Washington Post

If you want a girl, you can raise the probability to 91%.

The Economist

They are known to make calls alternately with their neighbors in order to raise the probability of mating.

Computer Communications

In each, a crucial question was how to raise the probability that a jury or an electorate would decide correctly.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That exposure level is too low to cause immediate health effects, but may raise the probability of developing cancer.

The New York Times

The most recent data significantly raise the probability that sufficient resources will be available to undertake both debt reduction and surplus-lowering policy initiatives.

The New York Times

When the forecasters raise the probability of a given outcome, what they are usually saying is that the polls, on average, have shifted in that direction.

The New Yorker

Having more money, a better education and (in India) belonging to a higher caste all raise the probability that a family will discriminate against its daughters.

The New York Times - Magazine

Allow that to happen, and we inadvertently increase the impact of the attack - and arguably raise the probability of a repeat.

Independent

Cockerill and Youngs said they would have preferred a penalty try to cards, although sideways movement did not raise the probability of a try being scored, but it was a foretaste of what Bath can expect.

The Guardian - Sport

"Together, what they did for the accounting profession is lower the probability of discovery, raise the probability of not being named a defendant, and increase the probability of the case being dismissed on a pretrial motion," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "raise the probability", ensure the context clearly identifies the factor or action that is causing the increase in likelihood. For example, 'Implementing stricter safety protocols will raise the probability of preventing accidents.'

Common error

Avoid assuming that correlation automatically means causation when using "raise the probability". Just because two events occur together doesn't mean one directly raises the probability of the other. Investigate and prove that the likelihood is caused by the event you are mentioning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "raise the probability" functions as a verb phrase that describes an action which increases the likelihood of a particular outcome or event. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "raise the probability" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that signifies increasing the likelihood of a specific event. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. As evidenced by numerous examples, it's prevalent in scientific, news, and formal business contexts. While alternatives like "increase the likelihood" and "enhance the chance" exist, the choice often depends on the desired nuance and context. When using this phrase, ensure a clear cause-and-effect relationship is established to avoid correlation-causation fallacies. Remember, clarity is key when communicating about likelihoods and outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increase the likelihood

Focuses on the 'likelihood' of an event, a more direct synonym.

enhance the chance

Uses 'chance' which is slightly more informal than 'probability'.

boost the odds

Employs 'odds' adding a more colloquial or gambling-related nuance.

improve the prospects

Shifts the focus to 'prospects', suggesting a forward-looking improvement in potential outcomes.

maximize the possibility

Highlights 'possibility', implying an effort to make something as possible as it can be.

heighten the potential

Uses 'potential', suggesting development towards a certain outcome.

augment the prospects

Augment brings a sense of increasing something already existing.

cultivate the potential

Cultivate brings a sense of nurturing to increase the likelihood.

inflate the chances

Uses 'inflate' suggesting that chances are artificially high.

leverage the probability

Leverage brings a sense of strategy to maximize the result.

FAQs

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

You can use "raise the probability" to describe actions or factors that increase the likelihood of a specific outcome. For example, "Investing in renewable energy sources will "increase the likelihood" of achieving climate goals."

What are some alternatives to "raise the probability"?

Alternatives include "enhance the chance", "improve the prospects", or "boost the odds" depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it more appropriate to use "increase the probability" or "raise the probability"?

"Increase the probability" and "raise the probability" are largely interchangeable and have similar meanings. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.

What does it mean to "leverage the probability" of an event?

To "leverage the probability" means to use specific strategies or actions to maximize or take advantage of the likelihood of that event occurring. It often implies a strategic or calculated approach.