although highly unlikely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "although highly unlikely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a statement that acknowledges the low probability of a situation occurring while still considering it as a possibility. Example: "Although highly unlikely, there is a chance that the event could still take place."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

It is possible England will want to go to Edgbaston with an extra batsman, although highly unlikely given the state of Andrew Flintoff's knee.

The Guardian - Sport

Although highly unlikely to be experienced in the case of Hurricane Irene, it is theoretically possible that an even stronger storm might hit the city at some point in the future.

The New York Times

If everyone else can watch video except the player and coaches, it is logically possible - although highly unlikely - that the head coach could be among the least informed people in the whole stadium.

BBC

Although highly unlikely [48], we also cannot discard the hypothesis that the fetus of an HIV-1-positive mother may become transiently infected with HIV-1 and effectively clears the virus prior to birth.

Plosone

Although highly unlikely, we cannot rule out that host cells could have contributed in some aspects to the results since the F512 human promoter is active in rodent fibroblasts in vitro (data not shown).

Plosone

It is also possible, although highly unlikely, that individuals may have participated multiple times using different email addresses.

BMC Public Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

He must one day do it again, although it is highly unlikely he will walk away now.

The Guardian - Sport

The charge carries the death penalty, although it is highly unlikely that he will be sentenced to death if convicted.

The New York Times

That is the target date for a completed deal, although it is highly unlikely that it will be met.

The New York Times

Although it is highly unlikely parliament will vote against triggering article 50, parliament may well seek to impose certain conditions on the government.

The Guardian

This review is based on a near-final pre-production sample of the Xperia Z4 Tablet – some aspects could change, although this is highly unlikely.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "although highly unlikely", ensure the subsequent clause provides a reason or justification for considering the unlikely event, to maintain logical flow and credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "although highly unlikely" when the event is genuinely impossible or has no reasonable basis. This weakens the impact of the statement and can confuse the reader. If something is truly impossible, use stronger terms like "impossible" or "certainly not".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "although highly unlikely" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a clause by introducing a concessive element. It acknowledges that something is improbable but does not rule it out completely. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "although highly unlikely" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to express concession and contrast. It is commonly found in news and scientific contexts, indicating a relatively formal register. While synonymous alternatives exist, the phrase's emphasis on the low probability makes it suitable for specific situations. According to Ludwig AI, the expression is appropriate and usable in written English. Understanding the nuances of "although highly unlikely" can enhance clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

though quite improbable

Replaces "highly unlikely" with "quite improbable", slightly altering the emphasis on the degree of unlikelihood.

while exceedingly improbable

Uses "exceedingly improbable" to intensify the sense of unlikelihood compared to the original phrase.

even if improbable

Simplifies the expression while retaining the core meaning of low probability and concession.

despite its improbability

Nominalizes the unlikelihood, shifting the structure while keeping the meaning similar.

even though it's a long shot

Replaces the formal tone with an idiomatic expression indicating low probability.

though the odds are stacked against it

Uses a more figurative expression to convey the unlikelihood of something happening.

while the chances are slim

Employs a more direct and common way of expressing low probability.

although against all odds

Introduces a slightly different angle, emphasizing the surprising nature of success despite unlikelihood.

though scarcely possible

Highlights the minimal possibility, focusing on the difficulty of occurrence.

even if remotely feasible

Emphasizes the distant possibility, focusing on the theoretical rather than practical chance.

FAQs

How can I use "although highly unlikely" in a sentence?

"Although highly unlikely", the team could still win if their opponents make significant errors.

What are some alternatives to "although highly unlikely"?

You can use alternatives like "though quite improbable", "while exceedingly improbable", or "even if improbable depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "although highly unlikely"?

While "unlikely" already suggests a low probability, adding "highly" emphasizes the remoteness of the possibility, making the phrase stronger. It is a matter of stylistic choice, not redundancy.

What's the difference between "although unlikely" and "although highly unlikely"?

The addition of "highly" intensifies the degree of unlikelihood. "Although unlikely" simply indicates a low probability, while "although highly unlikely" stresses that the probability is very low.