the likelihood that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the likelihood that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate a probability or chance that something will occur. For example: "Given the current situation, there is a strong likelihood that prices will rise soon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

- the likelihood that they were clicked on.

The Guardian - Tech

"[Although] this further report does increase the likelihood that Fr.

The New Yorker

What's the likelihood that we'll hear this over the radio?

The New Yorker

Baker doesn't measure the likelihood that Hyde could have delivered.

The New York Times - Books

— lessening the likelihood that the ruling would affect the companies.

The New York Times

If not, what is the likelihood that you will soon?

The New York Times

The likelihood that further searching might rescue the day appears slim.

The Guardian - Opinion

Many said the data increased the likelihood that a recession began late last year.

The New York Times

The cheaper the clothes, the greater the likelihood that they are damaging the planet.

The Guardian - Opinion

Their purpose is to increase the likelihood that the dogs will be adopted.

The New York Times

Such an assurance would reduce the likelihood that militants could provoke a war neither side wants.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the likelihood that" to introduce statements about probabilities or chances, ensuring your sentences clearly convey the degree of certainty or possibility you intend to express. For instance, "The likelihood that the project succeeds increases with more funding."

Common error

Avoid using "the likelihood that" when you want to express certainty. This phrase indicates probability, not a sure outcome. Instead of saying, "The likelihood that this will happen is 100%", state, "This will definitely happen."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the likelihood that" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a subordinate clause expressing a probability or chance. Ludwig examples show it's used to quantify or assess the degree to which an event is expected to occur.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the likelihood that" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express probability or chance. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts. It's frequently found in news and media, as well as in scientific and formal business settings. Alternatives include "the probability that" and "the chance that", though "likelihood" carries a nuanced suggestion of evidence-based expectation. Remember to use it to accurately express probability, and avoid using it when you mean to express absolute certainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the probability that

Replaces "likelihood" with "probability", a synonym denoting the extent to which something is likely to happen.

the chance that

Substitutes "likelihood" with "chance", indicating a possibility of something occurring.

the odds that

Replaces "likelihood" with "odds", implying a ratio of success to failure.

the possibility that

Uses "possibility" instead of "likelihood", suggesting something might happen or be true.

the prospect that

Employs "prospect" instead of "likelihood", indicating something expected or likely to happen.

the potential that

Substitutes "likelihood" with "potential", focusing on the inherent capacity for something to occur.

the eventuality that

Replaces "likelihood" with "eventuality", suggesting something that may occur in the future.

the plausibility that

Uses "plausibility" instead of "likelihood", referring to how believable or reasonable something is.

the rate that

Replaces "likelihood" with "rate", focusing on the frequency or speed at which something occurs.

the doubt that

Employs "doubt" instead of "likelihood", expressing uncertainty or disbelief about something.

FAQs

How can I use "the likelihood that" in a sentence?

You can use "the likelihood that" to introduce a clause expressing a probability or chance. For example, "Given the data, "the likelihood that" the company will expand is high."

What are some alternatives to "the likelihood that"?

Some alternatives include "the probability that", "the chance that", or "the possibility that", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "likelihood" or "probability"?

"Likelihood" and "probability" are often interchangeable. "Probability" tends to be used in more formal or statistical contexts, while "likelihood" can be used more broadly. Both are correct. Therefore, it's safe to choose "the likelihood that".

What's the difference between "the likelihood that" and "the possibility that"?

While similar, "likelihood" suggests a greater degree of probability based on evidence or reasoning, while "possibility" simply indicates something could happen without necessarily implying a strong basis.