weighed the odds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "weighed the odds" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe a situation in which one evaluates the relative advantages and disadvantages of their options. For example: "After considering all the factors, John weighed the odds and decided to take a chance on the investment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

As the minutes went by and Hammons failed to appear (it turned out that he was waiting for me at another Starbucks, across the square), I weighed the odds that I was being treated to a custom-designed artwork.

The New Yorker

Ever pragmatic, the lords of the realm weighed the odds and negotiated a deal: Stephen could quietly live out his years of kingship; subsequently, Matilda's clever, forceful son would succeed him on the throne.

The New York Times - Books

Not all seven teams have the same chance, of course, so that's why we've weighed the odds with a tricked-up journalism device we're calling the BCS Sugar Bowl Measure Meter, presented by Jiffy Lube.

Los Angeles Times

"It indicates that they have weighed the odds of getting what they want achieved vs. the stop-gap tactic," said Irving Schenkler, director of the management communication program at New York University's Stern School of Business.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Mr. Paddock gambled as he lived, his brother said — methodically, always weighing the odds.

The New York Times

He became intrigued after weighing the odds and cost of getting a parking ticket, and deciding to risk it.

The Economist

Intractable conflicts of this kind frequently need an even-handed mediator who addresses complaints, weighs the odds and options, and proposes terms on which adversaries might be persuaded and pressured into agreement.

The Guardian - Opinion

"But under capitalism there are more rational, more mature beings who weigh the odds and position themselves". "Under communism," he continues, "I did not write one word against the system or for the system.

The Guardian - Books

But digging deeper, beyond the national numbers, reveals at least a few glimmers of hope for Democrats — still fairly distant and faint, but bright enough to get campaign strategists scanning the horizon and weighing the odds.

The New York Times

LONDON — James Konrad, a bookish 27-year-old with a polite manner, used to make a living at a sports betting company, weighing the odds of muddy terrain affecting the sure-footedness of racehorses.

The New York Times

The participants can weigh the odds and act accordingly, like restaurateurs who buy supplies and staff their kitchens based on the probability that a certain number of people will dine at their restaurants on a given day of the week in a given season.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "weighed the odds", ensure the context clearly indicates a process of evaluating different possibilities and their associated probabilities before making a decision.

Common error

Avoid using "weighed the odds" when the situation involves a simple choice without complex probabilistic evaluation. Instead, use phrases like "considered the options" or "made a decision".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "weighed the odds" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action of careful consideration and evaluation. It describes the process of assessing the probabilities associated with different options before making a decision. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

12.5%

Science

12.5%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "weighed the odds" is a grammatically sound and conceptually clear way to describe the act of carefully evaluating probabilities before making a decision. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it sees consistent use in English writing. While not extremely frequent, it finds primary usage in neutral contexts such as News & Media. When choosing an alternative, consider options like "evaluated the probabilities" or "assessed the likelihood" depending on context and desired formality. Remember to use "weighed the odds" when the situation actually involves a deliberate evaluation of probabilities to avoid any misuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

evaluated the probabilities

Focuses more on the mathematical or statistical assessment of chances.

assessed the likelihood

Emphasizes the determination of how probable an event is.

considered the chances

Highlights the act of thinking about the possibilities of success or failure.

calculated the risks

Shifts the focus to the potential negative outcomes and their assessment.

sized up the situation

Implies a comprehensive evaluation of all aspects of a scenario, not just the probabilities.

judged the prospects

Highlights the estimation of future success or positive outcomes.

contemplated the possibilities

Stresses the act of thinking deeply about different potential scenarios.

examined the potential

Focuses on investigating the capacity for future development or success.

analyzed the variables

Emphasizes a detailed examination of the factors influencing a situation.

reviewed the circumstances

Highlights a careful inspection of the conditions surrounding an event.

FAQs

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

You can use "weighed the odds" to describe a situation where someone carefully considers the probabilities of different outcomes before making a decision. For example, "After reviewing the data, she "weighed the odds" and chose the most promising strategy".

What can I say instead of "weighed the odds"?

Alternatives include "evaluated the probabilities", "assessed the likelihood", or "considered the chances", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "weighed the odds"?

"Weighed the odds" is appropriate when someone is consciously evaluating different possibilities, assessing the likelihood of each outcome, and making a decision based on that evaluation. It suggests a more deliberate process than simply choosing between options.

Is "weighed the odds" formal or informal?

"Weighed the odds" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "evaluated the probabilities" might be preferable in academic or professional settings.