the probability that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the probability that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to discuss a hypothetical situation that may or may not occur. For example, "The probability that aliens exist is something that scientists are still debating."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If, the probability that is equal to.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

If and, the probability that is equal to.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Let β k, n (r ) denote the probability that.

Bioinformatics

What is the probability that all six will be blue?

The New York Times

What's the probability that you have a red stone?

The Guardian

But then what is the probability that G.C.H. Q

The New Yorker

Some here believe that would increase the probability that the service would become a target.

The New York Times

These overlapping requirements increase the probability that fraud against taxpayers will be detected or deterred.

The New York Times

But now there is the probability that another designer will take over her label.

The New York Times - Style

And that there was also the probability that we would both go to prison.

The New Yorker

What is the probability that you will get the job at Pleasantville University?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing probabilities, clearly define the event you're assessing the likelihood of. For instance, specify "the probability that the stock market will crash" instead of just "the probability."

Common error

Avoid assuming that because two events have a high probability of occurring together, one causes the other. Always consider other factors and potential confounding variables.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the probability that" functions as a noun phrase introducing a clause that specifies the event or condition whose probability is being discussed. Ludwig AI shows it connects a general concept of chance to specific scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the probability that" is a versatile phrase used to express the likelihood of an event. Grammatically correct and widely accepted, it appears most frequently in scientific and news contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard way to introduce discussions about chance and prediction. When using this phrase, remember to define the event clearly and avoid confusing correlation with causation. Explore synonyms like "the likelihood that" or "the odds that" for nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the likelihood that

Focuses on the chance of something happening, similar to probability but perhaps with a less formal connotation.

the odds that

Emphasizes the ratio of success to failure, offering a different perspective on the chance of an event.

the chances that

Uses a more informal term for probability, suitable for everyday conversation.

the possibility that

Indicates that something could happen, without specifying how likely it is.

the prospect that

Highlights the possibility of a future event, implying anticipation or concern.

the potential for

Stresses the capacity for something to occur or develop, often used in more formal contexts.

the risk that

Focuses on the negative consequences of an event, implying a need for caution.

the expectation that

Highlights what is anticipated or predicted to happen, based on current knowledge.

the degree to which

Shifts the focus to measuring the extent or intensity of something, rather than a simple yes/no outcome.

the extent to which

Similar to "the degree to which", this phrase emphasizes measurement and quantification.

FAQs

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

Use "the probability that" to introduce a statement about how likely something is to happen. For example, "The probability that it will rain tomorrow is high."

What phrases are similar to "the probability that"?

Similar phrases include "the likelihood that", "the odds that", or "the chance that". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is there a more formal way to express "the probability that"?

Yes, you could use "the likelihood that" in formal writing. Other more formal alternatives include "the prospect that" or expressing it mathematically as a percentage or ratio.

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

"The probability that" implies a quantifiable measure of likelihood, whereas "the possibility that" simply indicates that something is not impossible, regardless of how unlikely it is.