Difference between 'likelihood', 'possibility' and 'probability'?
Is there any difference of the magnitudes represented by these words? I often hear people saying 'It's possible, but not probable' or things alike. Can someone explain? Thank you very much!
Re: Difference between 'likelihood', 'possibility' and 'probability'?
I would also like to know if we can use 'possibility' in expressions like "there is evey possibility that she is given a job" or we must say "every likelihood" instead. Is it a collocation?
Re: Difference between 'likelihood', 'possibility' and 'probability'?
Here are some examples of there is evey possibility that:
http://discuss.washingtonpost.com/wp...dman032803.htm There is every possibility that this war will lead to greater incidents of terrorism and greater possibility for the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/44/...in_denver.html And while there are "no plans" for Obama to appear in the convention hall tonight, there is every possibility that he will make a surprise appearance onstage.
Re: Difference between 'likelihood', 'possibility' and 'probability'?
Quote:
Originally Posted by annikki
I would also like to know if we can use 'possibility' in expressions like "there is evey possibility that she is given a job" or we must say "every likelihood" instead. Is it a collocation?
Thank you.
Yes, you can use 'possibility' here, but in either case you'd have to say:
"There is every possibility that she will be given a job".