substantial probability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantial probability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts involving risk assessment, statistics, or legal matters where the likelihood of an event occurring is being discussed. Example: "There is a substantial probability that the project will be completed on time, given the current progress and resources available."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

The Bush team "has a substantial probability of success," he said.

The New York Times

Virginia and some other states already have standards based on "substantial probability".

The New York Times

Those violations were classified as serious, meaning that there was "a substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result," university officials said.

The New York Times

The governor's plan would allow caregivers to commit people if they believe there is a "substantial probability" of harm.

The New York Times

The maximum penalty for a violation that causes a "substantial probability of death — or serious physical harm" is $7,000.

The New York Times

Justice Scalia said that "it suffices to say that the issuance of the stay suggests that a majority of the court, while not deciding the issues presented, believe that the petitioner has a substantial probability of success".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

It is only the careful implementation of these distributions with full uncertainty analysis to define confidence intervals that yields estimates of return periods with substantial probabilities for such an event to occur.

Journal of Hydrology

Orthodontist D has a 40percentnt chance of being ranked 1st but substantial probabilities of being second and third or even fourth.

European Journal of Orthodontics

As the critical FOS is equal to 1.4, the slope that is considered stable by a conventional analysis is found associated with a substantial failure probability around 20%.

Computers & Geosciences

First of all, there is a substantial employment probability disadvantage of immigrants at the year of arrival compared with an average native Swedish man.

IZA Journal of Migration

To provide a complementary perspective, in our model selection analysis we entertain inference under the premise that such zero effects do have substantial prior probability.

Genetics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "substantial probability", ensure the context provides enough information for the reader to understand the basis and implications of this probability. Specify what factors contribute to this assessment for clarity and credibility.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "substantial probability" as an absolute certainty. Always acknowledge the inherent uncertainty and potential for alternative outcomes. Using hedging language can help maintain accuracy and avoid misleading the audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial probability" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes the degree of likelihood or chance associated with a particular event or outcome. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

28%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "substantial probability" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for indicating a significant likelihood or chance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for various contexts, including news, science, and formal business communication. The phrase is found most often in Science, News & Media, and Formal & Business documents. To ensure clarity and credibility, specify the factors contributing to the assessed probability. When writing, avoid presenting it as absolute certainty, and instead, acknowledge the inherent uncertainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant likelihood

Emphasizes the importance or impact of the probability.

considerable chance

Highlights the amount or degree of possibility.

high likelihood

Focuses on the elevated degree of possibility.

notable probability

Suggests the probability is worthy of attention.

marked chance

Emphasizes the distinctiveness or clarity of the possibility.

appreciable likelihood

Indicates the probability is measurable and significant.

real possibility

Highlights the authenticity and genuineness of the chance.

strong possibility

Conveys a sense of the probability being robust or well-founded.

reasonable prospect

Implies the probability is logical and justifiable.

realistic likelihood

Focuses on the practicality and feasibility of the probability.

FAQs

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

You can use "substantial probability" to describe situations where there's a significant chance of something happening. For example, "There is a "substantial probability" that the new policy will improve efficiency."

What phrases are similar to "substantial probability"?

Alternatives include "significant likelihood", "considerable chance", or "high likelihood". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "substantial probability" in formal writing?

Yes, "substantial probability" is suitable for formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to express a significant possibility without claiming certainty.

What's the difference between "substantial probability" and "possible outcome"?

"Possible outcome" simply indicates that something could happen, while "substantial probability" suggests that it's likely to happen. The latter implies a higher degree of certainty or likelihood.