It is unlikely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "It is unlikely" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express doubt or low probability regarding a situation or outcome. Example: "Given the current circumstances, it is unlikely that we will meet our deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It is unlikely.

The Economist

"It is unlikely that L.T.E.

The New York Times - Tech

It is unlikely to do so.

The Economist

It is unlikely to be enough.

The Economist

It is unlikely to be surpassed.

The Economist

It is unlikely to save their lives.

Independent

It is unlikely to be so straightforward.

Independent

It is unlikely Cameron can stop him.

The Guardian

It is unlikely to be forthcoming.

The Economist

It is unlikely to be the last.

The New York Times - Arts

It is unlikely to be positive.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "It is unlikely" to express a moderate degree of doubt or low probability. Avoid using it when the outcome is certain, either positively or negatively.

Common error

Avoid using "It is unlikely" when a stronger statement of impossibility is more appropriate. For instance, if something is demonstrably impossible, use "It is impossible" rather than "It is unlikely".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "It is unlikely" functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a clause or sentence. It expresses a judgment of probability, indicating that something is not expected to happen or is doubtful.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

22%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "It is unlikely" serves as a versatile tool for expressing a moderate degree of doubt or low probability. Ludwig confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used across diverse contexts. Its frequency is high, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure that the level of uncertainty aligns with the context. Alternatives include "it's improbable" or "it's doubtful", but these may subtly shift the tone. Therefore, choose wisely to convey the precise degree of uncertainty you intend.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

It's improbable

Replaces "unlikely" with "improbable", offering a slightly more formal tone.

It's doubtful

Substitutes "unlikely" with "doubtful", suggesting a sense of uncertainty.

It's not probable

Replaces "unlikely" with "not probable", directly negating the possibility.

It's questionable

Suggests the outcome is open to doubt or debate, conveying less certainty.

There's little chance

Emphasizes the small likelihood of something happening.

The odds are against it

Uses a metaphorical expression to highlight the unfavorable chances.

It's a long shot

Indicates a low probability of success, often implying risk.

It's against all expectations

Emphasizes that the outcome would be surprising given the circumstances.

Don't bet on it

A more informal way of saying something is unlikely to happen.

I wouldn't count on it

Expresses personal skepticism about the likelihood of something.

FAQs

How can I use "It is unlikely" in a sentence?

Use "It is unlikely" to express a moderate degree of doubt or low probability about a future event or situation. For instance, "It is unlikely that the project will be completed on time given the current delays."

What are some alternatives to "It is unlikely"?

You can use alternatives like "it is doubtful", "it's improbable", or "there is little chance" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "It is unlikely" and "It is impossible"?

"It is unlikely" suggests a low probability, while "it is impossible" indicates that something cannot occur under any circumstances. The former expresses doubt, while the latter states a certainty.

When is it inappropriate to use "It is unlikely"?

Avoid using "It is unlikely" when the outcome is already known or certain. In such cases, a more definitive statement would be more appropriate. For example, if you know something will not happen, it's better to say "it will not happen".