I will probably

USAGE SUMMARY

"I will probably" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express a reasonable expectation or assumption that something might happen. For example: "I will probably be late for the meeting, so could you please start without me?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I will — probably, eventually.

The New Yorker

I will probably stick to crime mostly.

The New York Times - Books

I will probably attend, though.

The Washington Post

I will probably vote Labour.

The Guardian

I will probably stop for a drink.

The Guardian

"I will probably do all right.

The New York Times

I will probably still vote for them.

The Guardian

I will probably die in prison.

The New Yorker

I will probably vote Sarkozy – regretfully".

The Guardian

I will probably make a decision then.

The Guardian - Sport

On a good week, I will probably crowd-surf".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I will probably", consider adding context to explain the basis for your expectation. This can strengthen your statement and make it more convincing.

Common error

Avoid using "I will probably" when you are highly certain about something. In such cases, a more definite statement would be more appropriate. For example, instead of saying "I will probably arrive on time if there are no delays", simply state "I will arrive on time if there are no delays" if you have good reason to believe this is true.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I will probably" functions as a modal phrase expressing likelihood or expectation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it conveys a degree of uncertainty about a future action or event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Reference

3%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I will probably" is a versatile phrase used to express a reasonable expectation or likelihood of a future event, without conveying absolute certainty. Ludwig AI highlights its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It's commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts, offering a balanced tone suitable for both formal and informal communications. When using this phrase, consider the level of certainty you wish to convey and adjust your language accordingly to avoid overstating or understating your expectations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

It's probable that I will

Changes the sentence structure to emphasize the probability itself, rather than the speaker's intention.

I am likely to

Replaces "will probably" with a similar expression of likelihood, using "likely" as an adjective.

Chances are I will

Adds a more informal tone and emphasizes the probability of something happening.

I am expected to

Indicates an expectation, potentially from an external source, rather than just a personal assessment.

I might

Uses "might" to express a possibility, often implying a slightly lower degree of certainty than "probably".

I may

Similar to "might", expressing a possibility, but can sometimes imply a slightly more formal tone.

I am inclined to

Indicates a tendency or leaning towards a particular action or belief.

I tend to

Expresses a habitual or common action, suggesting a natural inclination.

I anticipate

Suggests a prediction or expectation, often based on prior knowledge or experience.

I foresee

Similar to "anticipate", but can imply a more distant or long-term prediction.

FAQs

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

"I will probably" is used to express a likely future action or event. For instance, "I will probably go to the gym after work" indicates a likely plan, not a definite one.

What are some alternatives to "I will probably"?

Alternatives include phrases like "I am likely to", "I might", or "chances are I will", each conveying varying degrees of certainty.

Is "I will probably" formal or informal?

"I will probably" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding language and situation.

What's the difference between "I will probably" and "I will definitely"?

"I will probably" expresses a likelihood or expectation, while "I will definitely" indicates a firm intention or certainty. The choice depends on the speaker's level of confidence in the outcome.