although improbable

USAGE SUMMARY

"although improbable" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a counterpoint or unlikely scenario after discussing something that is more likely to happen. Example: "Although improbable, there is still a small chance that the team could make a comeback and win the championship." In this sentence, "although improbable" introduces the idea that the team winning the championship is unlikely, but there is still a small possibility of it happening. It could be used in a variety of scenarios, such as discussing a potential outcome of a sports game, a business decision, or a personal situation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

An upset against Djokovic, although improbable, is not impossible.

The New York Times

Although improbable and thus far unrepeated, Oudin's United States Open run could hardly be called a fluke because it was preceded by an appearance in the fourth round of Wimbledon two months earlier, a prequel that included a win over Jelena Jankovic, who was ranked No. 6 at the time.

The New York Times

It is a nightmarish scenario that, although improbable, is still possible.

Los Angeles Times

To date, the monophyly of the Excavata has not been proven, and thus it remains possible (although improbable) that Preaxostyla emerge at the base of eukaryotes, a position that would be consistent with a primitively amitochondriate status for this lineage.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Although statistically improbable, apparently no one in the room had the virus, though it was far more likely that they didn't want to be a punchline at a crowded comedy show.

Vice

Although rather improbable(and apparently non- evidenced); the notable absence of the positively charged amino acid residues Argenine and Lysine in both the C-terminal sequences of TcP0 and TcP2β prompted us to speculate, whether or not, a deficient diet on Arginine and Lysine could lead to EMF.

Plosone

For example, although highly improbable, there might be a theoretical genetic predisposition to develop both a specific facial skeletal class, and a particular psychological profile.

BMC Psychiatry

The result was a list of combinations, although either improbable or of low probability, that were needed for review in order to verify data or to correct data by rechecking the records of the patients.

BMC Cancer

Although victory seems improbable, Mr. Navalny's campaign has injected drama into a moribund political system that has stripped elections of competition and thus suspense.

The New York Times

Ofcom admits that without new powers a shared network across the entire country is improbable, although some companies are already taking voluntarily steps to merge networks.

The Guardian

The story is highly improbable, although Scorsese and Monahan keep the complicated goings on clear and taut, and the entire movie is acted with spirit and conviction.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "although improbable", ensure the context provides a clear and more probable alternative for comparison. This helps the reader understand the degree of improbability.

Common error

Avoid using "although improbable" when the event is virtually impossible. The phrase implies a small chance of occurrence, not a complete impossibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "although improbable" functions as an adjectival phrase that modifies a clause, expressing a condition of unlikeliness or low probability. It acknowledges a possibility, albeit a remote one. Ludwig AI affirms that it is a correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Although improbable" is a grammatically sound phrase used to introduce an unlikely but still possible scenario. Ludwig AI confirms it’s a correct and usable expression. While relatively rare, it appears in both News & Media and Science contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly contrasts the improbable event with a more likely one. Alternatives include "even if unlikely" or "though not likely". Avoid using it when describing events that are virtually impossible, as it implies a degree of possibility. The phrase functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a clause and the tone is generally neutral.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however improbable

Interchanges "although" with "however", maintaining the same meaning.

even if unlikely

Emphasizes the unlikelihood with "unlikely" rather than "improbable".

albeit unlikely

Uses "albeit" to introduce the unlikely nature of something.

though not likely

Uses simpler vocabulary to convey the same idea of low probability.

even though it's doubtful

Replaces "improbable" with "doubtful", softening the tone slightly.

while it's a long shot

An idiomatic expression suggesting a very low chance of success.

despite low odds

Highlights the unfavorable odds against something happening.

though against the odds

Similar to "despite low odds", emphasizing the unfavorable circumstances.

in the face of unlikelihood

A more formal way of expressing the idea that something is improbable.

notwithstanding its improbability

A highly formal and somewhat emphatic way of stating the improbability.

FAQs

How can I use "although improbable" in a sentence?

Use "although improbable" to introduce a contrasting, unlikely scenario after stating a more probable situation. For example, "The company is unlikely to succeed in this market, although improbable, they have a unique product that might attract early adopters".

What are some alternatives to "although improbable"?

You can use alternatives like "even if unlikely", "though not likely", or "while it's a long shot" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "although improbable, it is not impossible"?

Yes, this construction is grammatically correct and emphasizes that even though something is unlikely, it still retains a degree of possibility. For example, "Although a Doug Jones' victory in today's Alabama Senate election is improbable, it is not impossible".

What is the difference between "although improbable" and "although unlikely"?

The terms are largely interchangeable. "Improbable" suggests a lower probability than "unlikely", but the practical difference in usage is minimal. The choice often comes down to stylistic preference.