what is the probability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what is the probability" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when inquiring about the likelihood of a specific event or outcome occurring. Example: "What is the probability of rain tomorrow?"

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

What is the probability the ant survives?

The New York Times

"What is the probability of default?

The New York Times

What is the probability of this happening?

The New Yorker

What is the probability of eventual ruin?

Yale University

What is the probability of conditional?

Cornell University

And what is the probability distribution?

Yale University

What is the probability that all six will be blue?

The New York Times

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

The New Yorker

What is the probability of such an event?

Stanford University

What is the probability that I will eventually be ruined?

Yale University

What is the probability of this doom and gloom scenario?

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, provide context or background information before asking "what is the probability" to help the reader understand the question's relevance.

Common error

Avoid using "what is the probability" when you simply mean "what is the possibility". Probability implies a quantified likelihood, while possibility only suggests that something could occur.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what is the probability" functions as an interrogative phrase used to solicit information regarding the likelihood of a particular event or outcome. It sets the stage for a response that typically involves a numerical or qualitative assessment of chance. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Academia

35%

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the query "what is the probability" is a grammatically correct and common way to inquire about the likelihood of an event. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase is widely accepted and used across various contexts, including academia, news media, and scientific research. While "what is the probability" maintains a neutral-to-formal register, alternatives like "what are the chances" can offer a more informal tone. Remembering to be precise and clear is crucial for effective communication when delving into questions of probability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what is the likelihood

This uses the noun "likelihood", which is very similar to "probability" but provides a slight variation in phrasing.

how probable is it

This uses the adjective "probable" to directly question the likelihood, similar to "how likely is it".

what are the chances

This alternative uses the word "chances" instead of "probability", offering a more informal way to ask about the likelihood of an event.

how likely is it

This phrase focuses on the likelihood directly, changing the structure from a noun-based question to an adjective-based one.

what is the percentage chance

This specifies that the answer should be in terms of a percentage, adding clarity to the type of response expected.

what is the possibility

This alternative uses "possibility", which implies a potential for something to happen, but not necessarily a quantified chance.

to what extent is it likely

This expands the question to inquire about the degree or extent of the likelihood, allowing for a more nuanced assessment.

what is the prospect

This uses "prospect", indicating a potential future event or outcome, often with an implied evaluation.

what is the degree of certainty

This alternative shifts the focus to the level of confidence in an event occurring, rather than just the numerical probability.

what is the expected value

This phrase is more specific, referring to the statistical expectation of a result, often in a mathematical context.

FAQs

How do I use "what is the probability" in a sentence?

You can use "what is the probability" to inquire about the likelihood of a specific event. For example, "What is the probability of rain tomorrow?"

What's the difference between "what is the probability" and "what are the chances"?

While both phrases inquire about the likelihood of an event, "what is the probability" is generally more formal, whereas "what are the chances" is more informal.

What can I say instead of "what is the probability"?

You can use alternatives like "how likely is it", "what is the likelihood", or "what are the chances" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "what is the probability"?

Use "what is the probability" when you want to know the numerical likelihood or chance of a specific event occurring, especially in contexts where precision is important.