What does “Nine Times Out of Ten” mean?

"Nine Times Out of Ten" means that something happens almost always.

What context can I use the in?

Example

Nine times out of ten, he will choose the chocolate dessert.

Example

I can count on her to be late nine times out of ten.

Example

Nine times out of ten, the team will win the game

Is “Nine Times Out of Ten” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Nine Times Out of Ten” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Nine Times Out of Ten” effectively in context?

You can use "Nine Times Out of Ten" to express that something happens almost always or in the majority of cases. It implies a high probability or likelihood. For example, if you want to say that someone is usually late, you could say, 'Nine times out of ten, she will be late.'

1Predictions
Nine times out of ten, he will choose the chocolate dessert.
2Reliability
I can count on her to be late nine times out of ten.
3Sports
Nine times out of ten, the team will win the game.

Similar phrases to “Nine Times Out of Ten”:

Most of the time

Almost always or in the majority of cases

Example

Most of the time, he prefers to stay home rather than go out.

In most cases

Usually or typically

Example

In most cases, the company offers a refund for defective products.

More often than not

Usually or frequently

Example

More often than not, she chooses the healthier option for meals.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Nine Times Out of Ten” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Nine Times Out of Ten" is unknown.

Is “Nine Times Out of Ten” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Nine Times Out of Ten" is a common expression in everyday conversation. It is often used to convey a high probability or likelihood of something happening.

What tone does “Nine Times Out of Ten” have?

"Nine Times Out of Ten" conveys a tone of certainty and confidence. It suggests that something happens almost always or in the majority of cases.

Can “Nine Times Out of Ten” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Nine Times Out of Ten" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that can be used in various contexts. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Nine times out of ten, she will choose the chocolate dessert.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Nine times out of ten!' to imply a high probability.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

usually
typically
frequently
almost always
in the majority of cases