  Verbal probability phrases are often used to express estimated risk. In this
study, focus was on the numerical interpretation of 29 Dutch probability and
frequency phrases, including several complementary phrases to test (a)symmetry
in their interpretation. Many of these phrases had not been studied before. The
phrases were presented in the context of ordinary situations. The survey was
distributed among both statisticians and non-statisticians with Dutch as their
native language.
  The responses from 881 participants showed a large variability in the
interpretation of Dutch phrases, and the neutral contexts seemed to have no
structural influence. Furthermore, the results demonstrated an asymmetry in the
interpretation of Dutch complementary phrases. The large variability of
interpretations was found among both statisticians and non-statisticians, and
among males and females, however, no structural differences were found between
the groups.
  Concluding, there is a large variability in the interpretation of verbal
probability phrases, even within sub-populations. Therefore, verbal probability
expressions may be a risk for miscommunication.
