the likelihood is substantial

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the likelihood is substantial" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the probability or chance of an event occurring, particularly in formal or analytical contexts. Example: "Given the current trends in the market, the likelihood is substantial that we will see an increase in sales next quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The real issue is not that it is going to depress real estate values, the issue is how much, and the answer is we don't know for sure but given the size of Ikea, the likelihood is it will be substantial," Mr. Sclar said.

The New York Times

The likelihood is, yes.

The New York Times

The likelihood is the former.

The Guardian - Film

The likelihood is she will.

Forbes

Further, the sensitivity analysis has revealed that the likelihood of net savings to the government is substantial despite variation in the inputs.

BMC Health Services Research

As can be seen, overall the estimates are rather similar to those under the optimal, but there are some notable differences in u2 for cases two steps away from the optimal; but then the difference of likelihood to that of the optimal is substantial.

G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics

The industry is substantial.

Vice

In 1976, the U.S. Supreme Court held that information is material under federal securities laws if there is "substantial likelihood that the … fact would have been viewed by the reasonable investor as having significantly altered the total mix of information made available".

Forbes

As the EP report raised concerns that the legitimate trade in generic drugs between non-EU countries could be hampered, it was agreed that medicines may only be delayed or confiscated if there is substantial likelihood that they will end up on the EU market.

European Parliament

Because of the high frequency of recurrent falls in nursing homes, the likelihood of sustaining an injurious fall is substantial.

Clinical interventions in aging

Nevertheless, the likelihood of reaching ESRD or dying is substantial using any current treatment, and death from complications of therapy is well recognized.

American Journal of Kidney Diseases

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the likelihood is substantial" in formal writing to convey a significant possibility or impact, especially when quantifying the likelihood is difficult or impossible. For example, "Given the experimental nature of the treatment, the likelihood of unforeseen side effects is substantial."

Common error

Avoid using "the likelihood is substantial" in casual conversation or informal writing. Its formality can sound out of place. Opt for simpler alternatives like "there's a good chance" or "it's quite likely".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the likelihood is substantial" functions as an assertion of probability. It highlights that there is a significant chance of a particular event or outcome occurring. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness, reinforcing its usability 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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Wiki

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the likelihood is substantial" serves as a formal way to express a significant probability or possibility. While grammatically sound, as affirmed by Ludwig, its formality makes it more appropriate for academic, professional, or analytical contexts, rather than casual conversation. Related phrases, such as "the probability is considerable" or "the chances are high", can offer more casual alternatives. Despite being a correct phrase, the small amount of examples, show a low use of this one, thus it's better to use the suggested alternatives when the context doesn't require much formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the probability is considerable

Changes 'likelihood' to 'probability' and 'substantial' to 'considerable', focusing on the mathematical aspect of the chance.

the chances are high

Replaces 'likelihood' with 'chances' and 'substantial' with 'high', offering a more informal expression of probability.

it is highly probable

Uses 'highly probable' to convey a strong sense of likelihood, altering the sentence structure.

a significant possibility exists

Shifts the focus to the existence of a 'significant possibility', rather than directly stating a likelihood.

there's a strong chance

Offers a more conversational alternative, emphasizing the strength of the possibility.

the risk is significant

Focuses on the 'risk' aspect, indicating that the potential negative outcome is noteworthy.

it is quite likely

A more understated way to express a considerable likelihood.

the odds are favorable

Implies that the circumstances or conditions suggest a positive outcome is probable.

a good possibility exists

Similar to "a significant possibility exists", but uses 'good' to indicate a positive likelihood.

it's distinctly possible

Suggests that the outcome is clearly and noticeably possible, without quantifying the likelihood.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "the likelihood is substantial" to sound more casual?

For a more casual tone, consider using phrases like "there's a good chance", "it's quite likely", or "the chances are high". These alternatives convey a similar meaning but are less formal than "the likelihood is substantial".

What does "the likelihood is substantial" mean?

This phrase indicates that there is a significant probability or chance of something occurring. The word "substantial" emphasizes that the likelihood is not trivial or negligible, but rather considerable.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "the likelihood is substantial"?

This phrase is suitable for formal or analytical contexts, such as academic papers, business reports, or legal documents, where a precise and somewhat emphatic statement of probability is required. You might see "it is highly probable" used as well.

What are some more emphatic alternatives to "the likelihood is substantial"?

To express a stronger sense of probability, you could use phrases like "it is almost certain", "there is a very high probability", or "it is virtually guaranteed". However, be mindful of the specific context and avoid overstating the certainty if it's not fully warranted.