But probably

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "But probably" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express uncertainty or likelihood about a statement or situation that follows. Example: "I think it will rain tomorrow, but probably not until the afternoon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But probably not soon.

The Economist

But probably Maury.

The New Yorker

But probably Harry".

Independent

But probably he did, too.

The New York Times

(But probably not "The Graduate").

The New York Times

But probably they feel resigned".

The New York Times

But probably Jon is best".

The New York Times

But probably I won't, ever".

The New Yorker

But probably that's just me.

The New York Times

But probably not for long.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Interesting--but probably wrong.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but probably" to introduce a contrasting idea that is more likely to occur than the initial statement, providing a nuanced perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "but probably" excessively in a single piece of writing, as it can make your prose sound hesitant and repetitive. Vary your language by using alternatives like "but likely" or "though perhaps".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "But probably" functions as a qualifying conjunction, adding a nuance of uncertainty or likelihood to a preceding statement. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it often introduces a contrasting idea that is considered more realistic or likely.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Reference

0.5%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "But probably" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that adds a layer of uncertainty or likelihood to a statement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as a qualifying conjunction and serves the purpose of expressing a nuanced opinion or prediction. While suitable for various contexts, it's most prevalent in news and media. When writing, be mindful of overuse and consider alternatives like "but likely" to enhance the clarity and impact of your writing. Remember that the word construction "probably but" is always an incorrect expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but likely

Replaces "probably" with "likely" for a slightly more formal tone.

but possibly

Substitutes "probably" with "possibly", suggesting a lower degree of certainty.

though perhaps

Uses "though" and "perhaps" to introduce a degree of doubt or qualification.

although it's conceivable

Offers a more formal way to indicate something is imaginable but not necessarily probable.

however, it's uncertain

Replaces the single word with a longer construction indicating lack of certitude.

yet it's doubtful

Emphasizes the uncertainty, suggesting a low probability.

still, it's questionable

Indicates that the outcome is open to doubt or debate.

while it's not guaranteed

Highlights the absence of a firm assurance.

even so, it's not a sure thing

Uses a more colloquial expression to indicate uncertainty.

then again, it's hard to say

Expresses that it is tough to give certain answer.

FAQs

How can I use "But probably" in a sentence?

"But probably" is used to introduce a statement that expresses a likely outcome, often contrasting with a previous statement. For example, "I'm hoping for sunshine, but probably it will rain".

What are some alternatives to "But probably"?

Alternatives include "but likely", "but possibly", or "though perhaps". The best choice depends on the specific shade of meaning you want to convey.

Is it correct to start a sentence with "But probably"?

While starting a sentence with "But" is sometimes discouraged in formal writing, it's acceptable in many contexts, especially when followed by "probably". However, consider the overall flow and impact on your audience.

What's the difference between "But probably" and "Probably but"?

"But probably" introduces a qualification or contrast to a preceding statement. "Probably but" is grammatically incorrect and not a standard English construction.