Very probable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Very probable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a high likelihood or chance of something occurring. Example: "Given the current evidence, it is very probable that the event will take place next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is very probable.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The answer is a very probable no.

The New York Times

It's not very probable right now".

The New York Times

And the answer, unfortunately, is: not very probable.

MIT Technology Review

Jordan Henderson is very probable, as is Raheem Sterling and, in all likelihood, Frank Lampard.

The Guardian - Sport

"It is a very probable hypothesis," Mr. Cuomo told the Corriere della Sera.

The New York Times

"Paul is fine and it is very probable that he will start," Allegri said.

The Guardian - Sport

But Erpenbeck's last-minute rescues are wistful rather than very probable.

The New Yorker

Spain, Costa Rica and Nigeria had outcomes that were not very probable.

The Economist

It is very probable that Paul spread the gospel in this way.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. Spataro said it was "very probable" that he would appeal.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "very probable" when you want to express a strong likelihood of something occurring, supported by evidence or reasoning. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, adding a degree of certainty without being absolute.

Common error

Avoid using "very probable" when the situation is purely speculative or lacks substantial evidence. Overusing it can weaken your argument if the likelihood is not genuinely high.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very probable" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It expresses a high degree of likelihood or possibility, indicating that something is quite likely to occur or be true. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

35%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "very probable" is a versatile and grammatically correct adjective phrase used to express a high degree of likelihood. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. It is frequently found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, indicating its suitability for both general and specialized writing. While alternatives like "highly likely" or "quite likely" exist, "very probable" offers a direct and clear way to convey a strong expectation or belief. When using this phrase, ensure that the context supports a genuinely high probability, avoiding overuse in speculative scenarios. Remember to consider the specific nuance you want to convey, and choose the alternative that best fits your intended message. This guide aims to provide a thorough understanding of its usage, alternatives, and potential pitfalls.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Very likely

Similar to "very probable" but uses a different adjective.

Highly likely

Emphasizes a strong chance of occurrence.

In all likelihood

Expresses a strong expectation based on available information.

Quite likely

Indicates a considerable possibility.

Most likely

Suggests the highest probability among several options.

Almost certain

Indicates a near guarantee.

Reasonably certain

Implies a justified confidence in the outcome.

Presumably

Assumes something is true based on reasonable evidence.

Good chance

Offers a less formal way to express high probability.

Expect

Simply means, anticipate or look forward to.

FAQs

How can I use "very probable" in a sentence?

You can use "very probable" to indicate a high degree of likelihood. For example, "Given the data, it is "very probable" that sales will increase next quarter."

What are some alternatives to "very probable"?

Alternatives to "very probable" include "highly likely", "quite likely", or "most likely". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "very probable" formal or informal?

"Very probable" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, in highly formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "highly likely" for a more sophisticated tone.

What's the difference between "probable" and "very probable"?

"Very probable" indicates a higher degree of likelihood than simply "probable". While "probable" suggests something is likely to happen, ""very probable"" implies a stronger expectation based on the available evidence.