although unlikely

USAGE SUMMARY

"although unlikely" is correct and usable in written English.
It is commonly used to express that something is unlikely to happen, while still leaving the possibility open. Example: Although unlikely, it is still possible that I could win the lottery.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Although unlikely, some aspects may be different to the device that goes on sale.

The Guardian - Tech

It is a sensible reform, although unlikely to have much of an impact.

The Economist

The Senate bill, although unlikely to be enacted in its current form, would cost about $15 billion over 10 years.

The New York Times

She had spent time in a women's refuge, so murder or suicide, although unlikely, could not be entirely ruled out.

The Guardian - Film

Although unlikely to happen, even if it does, it would only be a repetition of the fundamental flaw in the Oslo accords.

The New York Times

The error range meant that it was statistically possible, although unlikely, that one or more of the other midsize sport utilities was deadlier than the Explorer.

The New York Times

Your internal yin and yang is probably made up of a bit of both Jez and Mark, although unlikely equal parts.

The Guardian

Although unlikely to kill a large number of people, such a device could cause tremendous damage and disruption by creating large no-go areas contaminated by radioactivity.

The Guardian

It's even conceivable (although unlikely) that in two years time Parliament could reject the exit agreement, or non-agreement, forcing a general election that May might lose.

The New Yorker

Although unlikely, another second-round place for Mr Le Pen (with victory assured for his opponent in that run-off) cannot be ruled out.

The Economist

And even China, although unlikely to take a deep dive, is hostage to the will and ability of its government to stimulate growth.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "although unlikely" to introduce a contrasting point that acknowledges a low probability while still considering the possibility. This adds nuance and precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "although unlikely" when the outcome is practically impossible. This phrase suggests a small chance, not complete impossibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "although unlikely" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifically a concessive phrase. It introduces a statement that contrasts with or qualifies the main clause. Ludwig examples show its frequent use in setting up a condition that has a low probability, yet still warrants consideration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

39%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "although unlikely" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that serves as an adverbial modifier to introduce a concessive element. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for a wide range of writing styles, from formal scientific reports to more casual news articles. The phrase effectively conveys a sense of low probability while still acknowledging a potential outcome. When using this phrase, ensure that the situation truly has a small chance of occurring, rather than being entirely impossible. Alternatives such as "even though improbable" or "while improbable" can provide similar nuances. Finally, while generally suitable for various registers, be mindful of your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

even though improbable

Replaces "unlikely" with "improbable", emphasizing a lower probability.

albeit improbable

A more formal alternative, using "albeit" to introduce the improbable aspect.

while improbable

Uses "while" to introduce the improbability as a contrasting point.

though not probable

Rephrases "unlikely" with "not probable", maintaining a similar meaning.

despite the low probability

Highlights the low probability as a factor being considered.

even if it seems improbable

Adds a layer of perception to the improbability, suggesting it might only seem that way.

even if it's a long shot

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey a low chance of success.

while the chances are slim

Highlights the reduced possibilities

though against the odds

Emphasizes that the outcome faces unfavorable circumstances.

however doubtful

Uses "doubtful" to express uncertainty and low expectation.

FAQs

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

Use "although unlikely" to introduce a situation or event that is improbable but still possible. For instance, "Although unlikely, it is possible that the team could still win the championship."

What are some alternatives to using "although unlikely"?

Alternatives include phrases like "even though improbable", "while improbable", or "though not probable", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "although unlikely, it is still possible"?

While "although unlikely" already implies possibility, explicitly stating "it is still possible" can add emphasis or clarity, particularly when addressing potential skepticism. The redundancy is minimal and often serves a stylistic purpose.

Can "although unlikely" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "although unlikely" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. It is a versatile phrase used across a wide range of contexts, as confirmed by its frequent appearance in sources like The New York Times and scientific publications.