but almost certainly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but almost certainly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a high degree of likelihood or probability regarding a statement or situation, while acknowledging a small chance of uncertainty. Example: "The project will be completed by the end of the month, but almost certainly, there may be some unforeseen delays."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Could, but almost certainly will not.

The New York Times

Reasonable, perhaps, but almost certainly inaccurate.

The Economist

Perhaps less clear-cut but almost certainly yes.

Independent

Think Wales and you'll think leeks and lamb but almost certainly not salami.

Independent

Either party could continue in power, with various allies, but almost certainly not together (see article).

The Economist

The veto was unusual and arguably petty, but almost certainly legal.

The Economist

The long-awaited bust of the art boom will come, but almost certainly without much drama.

The New Yorker

He should be ashamed of himself, but almost certainly won't be.

The New York Times

Well maybe it would've looked something like this, at least in plan, but almost certainly not in building materials.

Yale University

Maybe not as a traitor, but almost certainly not as a hero deserving of clemency, either.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But it almost certainly did not happen.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "but almost certainly", ensure that the 'but' creates a contrast with the preceding statement, either by introducing a qualification or a slightly unexpected outcome. This makes the phrase's impact more noticeable and logical.

Common error

Avoid using "but almost certainly" too frequently in your writing. Over-reliance can make your writing sound hesitant or repetitive. Mix it up with alternatives like "most likely" or "very likely" to maintain a more dynamic and engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but almost certainly" primarily functions as a qualifying conjunction phrase. Ludwig AI states that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It's used to introduce a statement that is highly probable but not entirely certain, softening the assertion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

15%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but almost certainly" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express a high degree of likelihood tempered with a hint of uncertainty. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as a qualifying conjunction, often found in news, scientific, and academic contexts. While widely applicable, it's essential to avoid overuse and consider alternative expressions like "most likely" or "very likely" for maintaining a varied and engaging writing style. The phrase's nuanced meaning and frequent appearance in authoritative sources contribute to its effectiveness in conveying confidence with appropriate reservations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but very likely

Replaces "almost certainly" with "very likely", suggesting a strong possibility.

but highly probable

Substitutes "almost certainly" with "highly probable", indicating a high degree of likelihood based on available evidence.

but most likely

Uses "most likely" instead of "almost certainly", conveying a sense of what is expected or anticipated.

but in all probability

Offers a more formal alternative, emphasizing the likelihood based on current evidence.

but it is highly likely that

Expands the phrase to explicitly state the high probability of a particular outcome.

but presumably

Indicates an assumption based on reasonable grounds, though without absolute certainty.

but as a good bet

Implies a confident prediction, similar to placing a safe wager.

but one can reasonably assume

Highlights the act of making a logical assumption with good justification.

but chances are

A more casual way of saying something is likely to happen.

but barring unforeseen events

Acknowledges the high likelihood while also allowing for unexpected exceptions.

FAQs

How can I use "but almost certainly" in a sentence?

Use "but almost certainly" to express a high degree of probability while acknowledging a small element of uncertainty. For example: "The team is well-prepared, but almost certainly, the weather will present a challenge."

What are some alternatives to "but almost certainly"?

You can use alternatives like "most likely", "very likely", or "in all probability" depending on the context and the degree of formality you wish to convey.

Is "but almost certainly" formal or informal?

"But almost certainly" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. While suitable for news and professional writing, it can also be used in everyday conversation. Choose alternatives for distinctly informal contexts.

Is it redundant to use "but" with "almost certainly"?

No, the "but" introduces a contrast or qualification. It indicates that while something is highly probable, there's still a small chance it might not occur. Without "but", the sentence would simply state a high probability without acknowledging any uncertainty.