slight likelihood of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slight likelihood of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the probability or chance of an event occurring, particularly when that chance is minimal. Example: "There is a slight likelihood of rain tomorrow, so you might want to bring an umbrella just in case."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

There was never the slightest likelihood of Rangers sustaining damage of any kind in this penultimate match of a gruelling season.

The Guardian - Sport

There is little likelihood of that happening.

The New York Times

There's little likelihood of that.

Independent

"I don't think there's the slightest likelihood that Colin Powell would want to become president of the World Bank after putting up with everything he's put up with as secretary of state," Mr. Wolfensohn said in an interview.

The New York Times

The cost saving was reduced from $50 to $18 in the model that included just the direct cost of false positives ($1,248 vs. $1,230), and to $17 in the model that included both costs of false positives and a slight increase in likelihood of mammography in subsequent cycles after a false positive.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Among highly educated men there is a slight decrease in the likelihood of medication use as income adequacy decreases, whereas among men with a low educational level there is a slight increase in the chances of medication use with a reduction in income adequacy.

BMC Women's Health

The existence of four or more approaches, the reciprocal of the average turning radius and the presence of a turning pocket increase the likelihood of slight injury crashes.

Analytic Methods in Accident Research

A slight increase in the likelihood of breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancer.

WikiHow

A slight increase in the likelihood of strokes or blood clots.

WikiHow

I look at it and I say, How likely is it for me to play 11 years and I carried the ball just about more than every RB in an 11-year span in history, the likelihood of me having slight damage?

The New York Times

The researchers did find a slight but real difference in residents' likelihood of having a usual place of care: 83.4% had a medical home in states that expanded Medicare, on average, compared with 81.8% in states that didn't.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slight likelihood of" when you want to acknowledge a possibility, but emphasize that it is improbable. For example, "There is a slight likelihood of rain, so bring an umbrella."

Common error

Avoid using "slight likelihood of" when the event is actually more probable. This can mislead your audience. Instead, quantify the probability more accurately or use a different phrase, such as "possible" or "potentially".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slight likelihood of" functions as a qualifier, specifically indicating a low degree of probability or chance. It serves to temper expectations and acknowledge a possibility while emphasizing its improbability. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slight likelihood of" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a low probability of an event occurring. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While appropriate for various contexts, it's crucial to use it accurately, avoiding overstatement of actual probabilities. Alternatives like "small chance of" or "low probability of" can also be employed to convey a similar meaning. Remember to check the accuracy before using the phrase in order to provide value and balance to the audience. Although the phrase is considered correct it is very important to make sure that it is the most appropriate given the context, and the impact you expect from the receiver of the information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small chance of

Focuses on the chance aspect, emphasizing it's a limited possibility.

low probability of

Emphasizes the mathematical or statistical aspect of the chance.

minimal prospect of

Uses prospect to highlight the outlook or expectation, which is low.

remote possibility of

Stresses the distance or unlikeliness of the event occurring.

slim chance of

Highlights how small or narrow the possibility is.

limited likelihood of

Emphasizes the constraint or restriction on the probability.

rare possibility of

Highlights the infrequency of such an event.

negligible chance of

Indicates that the chance is so small it's practically insignificant.

improbable chance of

Focuses on the unexpected or unlikely nature of the event.

scant prospect of

Uses 'scant' to describe the insufficiency or lack of expectation.

FAQs

What does "slight likelihood of" mean?

The phrase "slight likelihood of" indicates that there is a small or minimal chance that something will happen. It suggests that the event is not very probable.

How can I use "slight likelihood of" in a sentence?

You can use "slight likelihood of" to describe an event that is unlikely but still possible. For example: "There is a slight likelihood of delays due to the ongoing construction."

What are some alternatives to "slight likelihood of"?

Alternatives include "small chance of", "low probability of", or "minimal prospect of". These phrases convey a similar meaning of a low possibility.

Is "slight likelihood of" formal or informal?

"Slight likelihood of" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is a relatively neutral phrase that can be used in various types of writing and speech.