the odds of

USAGE SUMMARY

"the odds of" is a valid and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the likelihood or probability of something happening. For example, "The odds of winning the lottery are extremely low."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"And the odds of success are frightening".

The New York Times - Magazine

But the odds of qualifying are long.

The New York Times - Sports

The odds of chaos remain astronomical.

The New York Times

The odds of legislation passing remain unclear.

The New York Times

The odds of success are certainly long.

The New York Times

The odds of success aren't great.

The New Yorker

What are the odds of that?

The New York Times - Magazine

And the odds of hitting it big?

Yale University

Coordinated action improves the odds of survival.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"What's the odds of it happening again?

The New York Times

"You can improve the odds of success".

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing statistical probabilities, use "the odds of" to convey a sense of likelihood, especially in contexts where precise numerical data might not be available or necessary.

Common error

Avoid confusing "odds," which refers to probability, with "ends," which means purposes or extremities. Using one in place of the other will lead to nonsensical statements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the odds of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb, indicating the probability or likelihood of a specific event or outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its role in expressing probability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

35%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the odds of" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to express the likelihood or probability of an event. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is versatile, appearing in both formal and informal contexts, with a strong presence in News & Media and Academic sources. The phrase functions to assess and discuss potential outcomes, and while alternatives like "the probability of" exist, "the odds of" provides a straightforward means to convey likelihood. Awareness of its proper usage ensures clarity and accuracy in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the probability of

Replaces "odds" with "probability", a more formal synonym.

the likelihood of

Substitutes "odds" with "likelihood", indicating a similar degree of possibility.

the chances of

Uses "chances" as a direct synonym for "odds", maintaining the same informal tone.

what is the chance of

Phrases a question about the likelihood, altering the sentence structure.

the prospect of

Replaces "odds" with "prospect", suggesting a possibility or expectation.

how likely is it that

Expresses the concept of odds as a question of likelihood, changing the sentence structure.

the potential for

Emphasizes the inherent possibility, changing the focus slightly from numerical odds.

the risk of

Focuses on the negative possibilities, implying that the event is undesirable.

the degree of certainty for

Replaces "odds" with a more formal and complex expression describing the level of confidence.

the outlook for

Substitutes "odds" with "outlook", indicating a forecast or expectation.

FAQs

How can I use "the odds of" in a sentence?

You can use "the odds of" to discuss the likelihood or probability of an event occurring. For example, "The odds of winning the lottery are extremely low" or "The odds of success are greater with hard work".

What's a more formal alternative to "the odds of"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "the probability of" or "the likelihood of". These alternatives convey a similar meaning with a slightly more elevated vocabulary.

Is it correct to say "the odds are" instead of "the odds of"?

Yes, "the odds are" is a correct and commonly used phrase. It's often followed by an adjective or an adverbial phrase to describe the general chances or prospects, such as "the odds are slim".

How does "the odds of" differ from "the chances of"?

While "the chances of" and "the odds of" are often used interchangeably, "the odds of" sometimes implies a more calculated or statistical perspective, whereas "the chances of" might be more general and less precise.