there is a likelihood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there is a likelihood" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the probability or chance of something happening. Example: "There is a likelihood that the event will be postponed due to the weather conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But if resentment that the record companies are acting like a cartel is strong here, it does not mean there is a likelihood of any firm action soon to solve the problem.

The New York Times

There is a likelihood that some states won't be ready".

The New York Times - Health

Thus, the Polaroid factors must govern the issue of whether there is a likelihood of confusion.

Harvard University

"We think there is a likelihood that that could have happened," he said.

The New York Times

Instead, there is a likelihood that those that develop could become increasingly strong.

The Washington Post

There is a likelihood of all these very burdensome diseases of ageing going up.

The Guardian

But, without firm foundations, there is a likelihood the partnership will fail due to divergent agendas.

The Guardian

There is a likelihood of the World Council of Chemical Engineering being formed.

Chemical Engineering: Visions of the World

provide a threshold assurancethat there is a likelihood of genuine and serious emotional injury". Id., at 371.

Cornell University

"There is a likelihood the deal is dead," Texas General Manager John Hart told The Associated Press.

The New York Times - Sports

Besides, the subsurface stormflow is predominant and there is a likelihood of lateral preferential flow, which according to its specific properties further explained the reduced efficiency.

Journal of Hydrology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "there is a likelihood", specify the factors that contribute to the likelihood. For instance, instead of saying "There is a likelihood of rain", state "There is a likelihood of rain due to the approaching storm front."

Common error

Avoid using "there is a likelihood" when the outcome is already certain or highly improbable. For example, don't say "There is a likelihood the sun will rise tomorrow"; instead, reserve the phrase for situations where the outcome is genuinely uncertain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there is a likelihood" functions as an existential construction followed by a noun phrase, indicating the presence of a probable event or outcome. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing this phrase used to introduce possibilities in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

35%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "there is a likelihood" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to indicate the probability of an event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate in diverse contexts from news reporting to scientific papers, reflecting a neutral to professional register. When using this phrase, it is best to support it with specific factors contributing to that likelihood and to avoid using it in situations where the outcome is already certain or highly improbable. Related phrases include "there is a probability", "it is likely that", and "there is a possibility", each offering slightly different nuances. By avoiding overstatements and grounding the likelihood in evidence, one can use this phrase effectively to convey measured predictions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there is a probability

Replaces "likelihood" with "probability", emphasizing the statistical chance of an event.

there is a possibility

Substitutes "likelihood" with "possibility", suggesting that something could happen, though not necessarily likely.

it is likely that

Changes the structure to a more direct statement of likelihood, using "likely" as an adjective.

it is probable that

Replaces "likely" with "probable", indicating a stronger degree of certainty.

a chance exists that

Emphasizes the existence of a chance, rather than directly stating the likelihood.

there is a good chance

Adds the qualifier "good" to "chance", indicating a higher likelihood.

the odds are that

Uses a more informal idiom to express the likelihood of something happening.

it is foreseeable that

Employs a more formal tone, suggesting that something can be anticipated.

it is expected that

Indicates that something is anticipated to occur, based on current conditions or trends.

one can anticipate

Expresses the idea that something is expected or predictable, but in a more formal way.

FAQs

How can I use "there is a likelihood" in a sentence?

You can use "there is a likelihood" to express that something is probable or possible. For example: "There is a likelihood that the project will be delayed."

What are some alternatives to "there is a likelihood"?

Alternatives include "there is a probability", "it is likely that", or "there is a possibility", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "there is a likelihood" or "it is likely"?

"There is a likelihood" can be perceived as slightly more formal than "it is likely", but both are acceptable in most contexts.

What's the difference between "there is a likelihood" and "there is a possibility"?

"There is a likelihood" suggests a higher degree of probability than "there is a possibility". Possibility simply means something could happen, while likelihood implies a greater chance of it happening.