reduce the likelihood of

USAGE SUMMARY

This phrase is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the idea that something is being done in order to decrease or prevent the possibility or probability of an event/situation occurring. For example, "We are introducing a new safety protocol to reduce the likelihood of an accident occurring."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These accounts reduce the likelihood of punishment and facilitate forgiveness.

The Washington Post

Nor do checkpoint procedures significantly reduce the likelihood of embarrassment.

Cornell University

Consistent soil temperature will reduce the likelihood of frost heaving.

Cornell University

Will direct elections really reduce the likelihood of disputed elections?

The Economist

Preventive measures can help reduce the likelihood of concussions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Our highest priority should be to reduce the likelihood of such an event.

The New York Times

What can be learned to reduce the likelihood of future failure in similar situations?

The Guardian

2011 Study of 1,700 couples shows that HIV drugs can reduce the likelihood of infection.

The Guardian

This can contribute to easing global tensions and reduce the likelihood of further nuclear weapons proliferation.

The Guardian - Opinion

And they argue that the commercial pressure will increase, not reduce, the likelihood of future crashes.

The New York Times

If the latter, what can be done to reduce the likelihood of such corrosive incidents?

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reduce the likelihood of", ensure that the action taken to reduce the likelihood is clearly stated. Be specific about what steps are being taken to achieve the reduction.

Common error

Avoid using "reduce the likelihood of" without specifying how the reduction is achieved. For instance, instead of saying "Training will reduce the likelihood of errors", specify what kind of training and what specific errors it targets.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reduce the likelihood of" functions as a purpose connector, indicating an action is being taken to diminish the chances of a particular outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

26%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reduce the likelihood of" is a versatile and frequently used phrase to express actions taken to decrease the probability of an event. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct. It appears most commonly in news, academic, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, it is important to clearly specify the action being taken and the outcome it aims to prevent. Related phrases include "lessen the chance of" and "mitigate the risk of".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lessen the chance of

Emphasizes making the possibility smaller; uses more informal language.

mitigate the risk of

Focuses on lessening potential dangers or negative outcomes.

minimize the possibility of

Stresses reducing something to the smallest degree.

diminish the probability of

Highlights a decrease in the statistical chance of an event.

curtail the potential for

Suggests limiting or restraining something's capacity to happen.

decrease the odds of

Uses a more casual idiom to convey reducing the chances.

avert the danger of

Implies preventing a hazardous outcome from occurring.

weaken the prospect of

Focuses on making the future view of something less likely.

allay concerns about

Addresses fears or worries regarding something that could happen.

forestall the incidence of

Highlights preventing the occurrence of something, often something negative.

FAQs

How can I use "reduce the likelihood of" in a sentence?

You can use "reduce the likelihood of" to describe actions taken to decrease the probability of a specific event. For example, "Implementing stricter security measures will "reduce the likelihood of" data breaches".

What are some alternatives to "reduce the likelihood of"?

Alternatives include "lessen the chance of", "mitigate the risk of", or "minimize the possibility of". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "reduce the likelihood of" or "decrease the likelihood of"?

Both "reduce the likelihood of" and "decrease the likelihood of" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice often comes down to personal preference, although "reduce" may sound slightly more formal in some contexts.

What's the difference between "reduce the likelihood of" and "eliminate the possibility of"?

"Reduce the likelihood of" implies making something less probable but not impossible. "Eliminate the possibility of", on the other hand, suggests completely preventing something from happening. The choice depends on whether the action taken can truly prevent the event or only make it less likely.