substantial likelihood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantial likelihood" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal or formal contexts to indicate a significant chance or probability of something occurring. Example: "The court found that there was a substantial likelihood that the defendant would reoffend if released on bail."

✓ Grammatically correct

Legal

Risk assessment

Probability analysis

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The OSC's choice of the term "substantial likelihood" was telling.

The Guardian

She said there was a "substantial likelihood" of wrongful arrests.

The New York Times

Today's ruling said the board had not properly applied the 1998 "substantial likelihood" standard.

The New York Times

They see "a substantial likelihood of a sharp downturn in the United States".

The New Yorker

But there is a substantial likelihood that it will eventually be overruled or limited.

The Washington Post

There is a substantial likelihood that intervenor- plaintiffs will prevail on the merits of their claim.

Yale University

However, there is a substantial likelihood that there is some time-order dependence in the results.

Journal of Statistical Planning and Inference

"There is a substantial likelihood that officers will wrongfully arrest legal resident aliens," she wrote.

The New York Times

Last month a Federal judge concluded that there was a "substantial likelihood" that Intergraph would succeed in proving that claim.

The New York Times

19 Surely there is no substantial likelihood the erroneous malice instructions prejudiced Frady's chances with the jury.

Cornell University

Thus, I am unable to reasonably conclude that the director defendants face a substantial likelihood of liability.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "substantial likelihood" when you want to express a significant possibility, particularly in formal or legal contexts. It's stronger than a mere "possibility" but less definitive than a "certainty".

Common error

Avoid using "substantial likelihood" when the outcome is already known or highly predictable. The phrase implies uncertainty, so using it in situations with near-certainty can sound awkward.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial likelihood" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a subject complement or object of a preposition. As Ludwig AI shows, it signifies a considerable probability of something occurring, often within legal or formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

33%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "substantial likelihood" is a formal and frequently used term indicating a significant probability or chance of something occurring. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly found in legal, academic, and news contexts. While alternatives like "significant probability" or "considerable chance" exist, "substantial likelihood" carries a specific weight and formality that makes it particularly suitable for professional and analytical writing. Therefore, while it is not mandatory, in professional contexts, it is better to use the phrase "substantial likelihood" rather than other options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant probability

Replaces "likelihood" with "probability", emphasizing the quantitative aspect.

considerable chance

Substitutes "substantial likelihood" with a more general expression of possibility.

high probability

Uses a more direct and quantifiable term for likelihood.

significant possibility

Emphasizes the potential for something to occur.

distinct possibility

Suggests a clear and definite chance.

appreciable risk

Focuses on the risk aspect, highlighting the potential for negative outcomes.

real prospect

Indicates a genuine and realistic expectation.

notable chance

Highlights that the chance is worthy of attention.

marked likelihood

Similar to substantial, but with the connotation of being easily noticeable.

reasonable expectation

Shifts the focus to what can be logically anticipated.

FAQs

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

The phrase "substantial likelihood" is used to indicate a significant possibility or probability of something happening. For example, "There is a "substantial likelihood" that the project will be delayed due to unforeseen circumstances."

What are some alternatives to "substantial likelihood"?

You can use alternatives like "significant probability", "considerable chance", or "high probability" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "high likelihood" instead of "substantial likelihood"?

While "high likelihood" is understandable, ""substantial likelihood"" is generally preferred in formal writing and legal contexts. "High likelihood" is a more general expression.

What's the difference between "substantial likelihood" and "reasonable possibility"?

"Substantial likelihood" suggests a higher degree of probability than "reasonable possibility". The former implies a significant chance, while the latter suggests a chance that is plausible but not necessarily strong.