smaller likelihood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "smaller likelihood" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the probability of an event occurring, particularly in comparison to another event with a greater likelihood. Example: "Given the current data, there is a smaller likelihood of rain tomorrow than initially predicted."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Every single condition for a democratic transition at the national level seems to be at hand: a popular disgust for the PRI, a lust for change, a feeling of freedom, a smaller likelihood of large-scale fraud and an opposition leader who radiates brio with every oversize step he takes.

The New York Times - Magazine

The likelihood on the Yahoo talks is only about 50-50 thanyany form of marketing alliance comes out of them, and a significantly smaller likelihood even than that, that it would result in an outright acquisition of eBay by Yahoo -- although that possibility had not been ruled out.

The New York Times

Within these groupings, there will be less variation in quality and consequently a smaller likelihood that the results are simply picking up this correlation.

Agricultural and Food Economics

A greater frequency of the business activities between SMEs and leading enterprises reveals the strength of the competitiveness of the SMEs, as well as a smaller likelihood of default.  .

Financial Innovation

That's a smaller likelihood of acceptance than at Harvard, the country's second-most exclusive school, where only 5.79percentt of applicants were offered a spot this year.

Huffington Post

Thus, if you bathe in the Lourdes waters, you apparently have a smaller likelihood of being spontaneously cured than others who have not.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Even in the small likelihood there is no spill, the drilling itself will disturb our animals.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yet, there was small likelihood of my performing this good deed.

The New York Times

Couples with children, he discovered, immediately seized on a hidden attraction: small likelihood of the downstairs neighbors complaining about the patter of little feet upstairs.

The New York Times

And such a suit has only a small likelihood of success because the board will again hide behind its new chief executive and his plans.

The New York Times

At Bristol University, researchers led by Matt Watson, a professor of geophysics, are trying to determine which particles would have the maximum desired impact with the smallest likelihood of unwanted side effects.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "smaller likelihood", ensure you're comparing it to another scenario with a higher likelihood for clarity. Quantify the likelihood if possible for greater precision.

Common error

Avoid using "smaller likelihood" to imply impossibility. Even with a small likelihood, an event can still occur. Always consider the context and potential consequences, especially when dealing with statistical data.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smaller likelihood" functions as a modifier expressing a reduced probability or chance of something occurring. It often appears in comparative contexts, as evidenced by Ludwig, where likelihoods are being weighed against each other.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "smaller likelihood" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to express a reduced probability or chance of an event. According to Ludwig, the phrase is most frequently found in scientific and news contexts. When using "smaller likelihood", ensure you are comparing it to another scenario and, if possible, quantify the likelihood for better clarity. Common alternatives include "lower probability" and "reduced chance". Remember that even with a "smaller likelihood", an event is not impossible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lower probability

Emphasizes the mathematical aspect of probability being reduced.

reduced chance

Highlights the diminished possibility of an event occurring.

decreased likelihood

A more formal synonym for "smaller likelihood".

less probable

Focuses on the reduced probability of an event.

diminished prospect

Suggests a less favorable outlook or possibility.

slimmer chance

Implies a very small or weak possibility.

minimal possibility

Emphasizes the very low level of possibility.

remote chance

Indicates a distant or unlikely possibility.

lower odds

Uses the concept of odds to convey reduced probability.

reduced risk

Highlights the decrease in potential danger or negative outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "smaller likelihood" in a sentence?

You can use "smaller likelihood" to describe a reduced probability of an event compared to another. For example, "There is a "smaller likelihood" of rain today compared to yesterday".

What are some alternatives to "smaller likelihood"?

Alternatives include "lower probability", "reduced chance", or "decreased likelihood". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "less likelihood" instead of "smaller likelihood"?

While "less likelihood" is sometimes used, "smaller likelihood" is generally preferred and considered more grammatically sound. Using "lower probability" might be a better option in formal contexts.

What's the difference between "smaller likelihood" and "lower risk"?

"Smaller likelihood" refers to the reduced probability of an event occurring, while "lower risk" refers to the reduced potential for a negative outcome or danger. They are related but not interchangeable; risk implies potential harm.