Previous studies comparing verbal and numerical probabilities have failed to take into account the directional aspect of verbal phrases. Some terms, like probable and possible , seem to be affirmative, whereas others, like unlikely and doubtful , function more like negations. This bi-directionality was explored in four studies in which American and Norwegian students were asked (1) to complete sentences containing various verbal and numerical phrases, and ending in because ; (2) to evaluate the appropriateness of selected verbal phrases in otherwise complete sentences; (3) to evaluate the appropriateness of selected answering words (yes, no, yes, but, and no, but) in answers containing verbal and numerical probabilities; and (4) to select appropriate verbal phrases in situations characterized by specific p values of success and failure. It was found that most verbal probabilities are directionally unambiguous (more than numbers). Evidence was also found for a positivity bias, in that affirmative phrases apply to a wider variety of probabilities and outcomes (successes and failures) than do negative phrases. Even low numerical probabilities were more often treated as affirmations than as negations.