appears probable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "appears probable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a likelihood or possibility regarding a situation or outcome. Example: "Based on the evidence presented, it appears probable that the hypothesis is correct."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

A de-merger appears probable.

The Guardian - Business

It appears probable that the contract will be completed this weekend.

The New York Times - Sports

That outlook still appears probable, but questions surround the speed and strength of the rebound.

The New York Times

It appears probable that some form of DVD player will one day become a staple in many American households.

The New York Times - Tech

The affordable tenancy provisions of the localism bill almost certainly will become law and it appears probable that there will be more legislation along similar lines.

The Guardian

Unless the European Central Bank steps in to help where politicians have failed, "a euro breakup now appears probable rather than possible," the bank said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

If this appeared probable in Syria, Iran might be willing to drop its support for Assad in exchange for a face-saving transition, backed by Turkey, Jordan, and the Gulf states: a ceasefire, a peacekeeping force made up of Muslim troops from the region, protections for Alawites and other minorities, U.N.-sponsored elections, and exile in a comfortable dacha for the Assad family.

The New Yorker

At 9am, the going was changed to Good to Soft across the track and it does now appear probable that we will see conditions remain on the slow side of good for the remainder of the meeting, with further showers forecast for Friday and Saturday.

The Guardian - Sport

Pakistan "appeared probable winners of the last two Tests on the second last day of each game", yet Chappell's team managed to win on both occasions.

Wikipedia

It appeared probable that Jourdan or Moreau would outmaneuver Charles by driving a wedge between his force and that of Wartensleben.

Wikipedia

It appeared probable that the crowns would pass to one of Elizabeth's underage daughters and by 1374, their rights were confirmed.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "appears probable" when you want to express a reasoned conclusion based on available evidence, without stating it as a certainty.

Common error

Avoid using "appears probable" when the evidence strongly suggests a definitive conclusion. Opt for more assertive language if the outcome is highly certain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "appears probable" functions as an epistemic modal, indicating a degree of likelihood or possibility. It suggests that, based on the available information, a certain outcome is likely but not guaranteed. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

48%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "appears probable" is a useful tool for expressing likelihood based on available evidence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. While alternatives like "seems likely" and "is expected" exist, "appears probable" maintains a balance between formality and cautious assertion. When writing, ensure that the use of "appears probable" aligns with the level of certainty warranted by the evidence at hand, avoiding overstatement or understatement. This analysis underscores the phrase's utility in conveying informed speculation and reasoned assessment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seems likely

Emphasizes the impression or indication of something being true or happening.

seems probable

Similar in meaning, but uses "seems" instead of "appears".

is likely

More direct and assertive than "appears probable".

is probable

Slightly more formal and direct.

is expected

Suggests an anticipation based on prior knowledge or trends.

is anticipated

Similar to "is expected" but may imply a more formal or official expectation.

is foreseen

Suggests a prediction or anticipation of something in the future.

is anticipated to happen

Similar to "is anticipated" but more explicitly refers to an event or occurrence.

can be expected

Suggests a reasonable expectation based on current circumstances.

is reasonable to assume

Implies a logical conclusion based on available information.

FAQs

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

You can use "appears probable" to express a likelihood based on available evidence. For example, "It appears probable that the negotiations will succeed."

What are some alternatives to "appears probable"?

Alternatives include "seems likely", "is likely", or "is expected" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "appears probable" and "seems probable"?

The phrases "appears probable" and "seems probable" are largely interchangeable and convey a similar meaning of likelihood. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference.

When should I use "appears probable" instead of "is certain"?

Use "appears probable" when there is a reasonable basis for belief, but the outcome is not definitively guaranteed. "Is certain" should be reserved for situations where there is no doubt.