although very unlikely

USAGE SUMMARY

"although very unlikely" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is generally used to express that something is possible, although highly unlikely. Example: Although very unlikely, it is still possible that she will win the lottery.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It is just possible (although very unlikely) that a wheel could pick up damage on the desert surface, perhaps by hitting a stone buried just under the surface.

BBC

"Theoretically, although very unlikely, there will be a time where all three of submarines will be in the same port.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The irony of the queuing is, of course, that the actions of the queuers makes the chance of the collapse they are afraid of much more likely (although still very unlikely).

The Guardian - Money

To ensure that the localized increase in Fluo-4 fluorescence was not caused by dye redistribution (although a very unlikely possibility), we stained the cells with CellTracker Green (CTG), a cytoplasmic dye, which is not Ca2+ sensitive and has a molecular weight that is even smaller than that of Fluo-4 (465 compared to 1097 Da).

Plosone

Although a very unlikely scenario, we could potentially end up with multiple people suffering from fibromyalgia and/or rheumatoid arthritis, which could impair the randomization and intervention.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

On Oct. 14, he wrote to Margaret in Kampala: "I will not be able to come to you there because we are very busy, and secondly because it would be dangerous to you, in case I am incubating the disease, although it is very unlikely.

The New York Times - Magazine

The FBI is leading the international investigation to discover the killer, although it seems very unlikely he could be brought to justice any time soon.

BBC

Android M rolls out in the Fall, but a timetable for USB Type-C enabled devices was not given although it seems very unlikely than any mainstream devices will hit before 2016.

TechCrunch

Although it is very unlikely that the bill will pass, instances like Hoag's decision to ban elective abortions leave a misinformed impression to the public.

Los Angeles Times

We cannot completely exclude that more frequent LS monitoring would have identified changes that may have been not detected with this interval, although this seems very unlikely.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Although this seems very unlikely for this data set, a phylogenetic analysis of the data may still help to indicate potential problems.

BMC Genomics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "although very unlikely" to acknowledge a possibility, however small, while emphasizing its improbability. This can add nuance to your writing, preventing absolute statements that might later be proven incorrect.

Common error

Avoid using "although very unlikely" when something is genuinely impossible. This phrase implies a small chance exists, so use it when there's a sliver of possibility, no matter how thin.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "although very unlikely" functions as a concessive conjunction phrase. It introduces a statement that contrasts with or qualifies a previous statement, acknowledging a possibility while emphasizing its improbability. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and functions to highlight an event with a reduced possibility.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "although very unlikely" is a grammatically correct and usable conjunction phrase used to express that something is possible, although highly improbable. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. The phrase functions as a concessive conjunction, setting up a contrast while acknowledging a small possibility. It is most frequently encountered in news and scientific contexts. While other phrases can be substituted for "although very unlikely", it remains a precise and useful tool for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

though highly improbable

Emphasizes the low probability with a stronger term.

while exceedingly rare

Focuses on the infrequency of the occurrence.

even if quite remote

Highlights the distance from possibility.

despite being a long shot

Uses an idiomatic expression to indicate low odds.

however minimally possible

Stresses the minimal level of possibility.

albeit against the odds

Acknowledges that circumstances make it improbable.

notwithstanding its unlikelihood

Formally acknowledges the lack of probability.

though against all expectations

Emphasizes surprise if it happens.

while bordering on impossible

Indicates near impossibility.

even if faintly conceivable

Highlights that the idea is barely imaginable.

FAQs

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

Use "although very unlikely" to introduce a contrasting idea, acknowledging that something is improbable but still possible. For example, "Although very unlikely, it is still possible for the team to win the championship."

What are some alternatives to "although very unlikely"?

You can use alternatives like "though highly improbable", "while exceedingly rare", or "even if quite remote" to express similar ideas with slightly different nuances.

Is it redundant to say "although very unlikely"?

While "unlikely" already implies a low probability, adding "very" can emphasize the improbability further. The phrase is not strictly redundant, but consider whether the added emphasis is necessary for your context.

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

The phrase "although unlikely" suggests a lower probability than average. By contrast, the addition of the word “very” to the phrase “"although very unlikely"” signals a further reduced probability of the subject matter ever occurring.