twice as likely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "twice as likely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the probability of two different outcomes or events occurring, indicating that one is two times more probable than the other. Example: "Children who do not get enough sleep are twice as likely to struggle with concentration in school."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hispanics were nearly twice as likely not to have them.

The New York Times

They are twice as likely to live in poverty [pdf].

The Guardian

Deaths as a result of infections are twice as likely.

The Guardian - Opinion

Black people were almost twice as likely to be unarmed.

The Guardian

Men are twice as likely to have cheated.

Independent

Men were twice as likely as women to experience symptoms.

Independent

Conservatives are twice as likely as liberals to be married and twice as likely to attend church every week.

The Economist

Indigenous Australians are almost twice as likely to abstain from alcohol than non-Indigenous Australians, but also twice as likely to binge drink.

The Guardian

Disabled people are also twice as likely as non-disabled people to have no qualifications, and twice as likely to live in poverty.

The Guardian - Opinion

Low-income parents were twice as likely as better-off parents to split up under the pressure, and more than twice as likely to snap at their children.

The Guardian

But there are other surprises: Girls who physically develop earlier than their peers are twice as likely to take drugs and twice as likely to attempt suicide.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "twice as likely", ensure the comparison is clear. Specify what the subject is twice as likely to do compared to what or whom.

Common error

Avoid using "twice as likely" without a clear reference point. Always specify the baseline for comparison to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "twice as likely" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating a probability that is two times greater than another. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is grammatically sound and frequently employed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "twice as likely" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to indicate that something is two times more probable than something else. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. As evidenced by the numerous examples, this phrase appears frequently in News & Media and Scientific contexts. When employing this phrase, clarity is key; ensure that the comparison is explicit to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "two times more likely" or "double the likelihood". Understanding the function, purpose, and appropriate usage of "twice as likely" enhances precision and clarity in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

two times more likely

Replaces "twice" with its numerical equivalent, maintaining identical meaning.

double the likelihood

Uses "likelihood" as a noun instead of "likely" as an adjective, but conveys the same probability increase.

significantly more probable

Indicates a notable increase in probability without specifying the exact factor.

considerably greater chance

Emphasizes the increased chance, highlighting a substantial difference.

markedly higher probability

Focuses on the higher probability, suggesting a clear and distinct difference.

substantially more apt

Uses "apt" as a synonym for "likely", indicating a significant inclination.

far more inclined

Suggests a stronger tendency or predisposition.

much more liable

Implies an increased susceptibility or risk.

more than likely

Indicates high probability without specifying a numerical factor.

almost certain

Suggests a very high degree of probability, approaching certainty.

FAQs

How can I use "twice as likely" in a sentence?

Use "twice as likely" to compare the probability of two different outcomes or events. For example, "People who skip breakfast are "twice as likely" to be overweight."

What are some alternatives to "twice as likely"?

You can use phrases like "two times more likely", "double the likelihood", or "significantly more probable" as alternatives to "twice as likely".

Is it grammatically correct to say "twice as likely as"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The "as" is used to introduce the comparison. For example, "Men are "twice as likely" as women to develop certain types of cancer."

What's the difference between "twice as likely" and "much more likely"?

"Twice as likely" indicates a specific, quantifiable increase in probability (a factor of two). "Much more likely" implies a significant increase, but without a specific numerical value. The numerical difference in "twice as likely" will be greater compared to the other alternatives.