but probably

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but probably" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express uncertainty or likelihood about a statement or situation. Example: "I will attend the meeting, but probably I will be late due to traffic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Perhaps, but probably not.

The New York Times

But probably not soon.

The Economist

Easy, but probably wrong.

The New York Times

But probably Maury.

The New Yorker

Maybe, but probably not.

The New York Times - Sports

But probably Harry".

Independent

Maybe yes, but probably not.

Independent

But probably he did, too.

The New York Times

(But probably not "The Graduate").

The New York Times

But probably they feel resigned".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Interesting--but probably wrong.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but probably" to introduce a contrasting idea or possibility, particularly when you want to express uncertainty or mild disagreement. It effectively softens the tone while still presenting an alternative viewpoint.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "but probably" in formal documents or academic papers. While grammatically correct, its frequent use can make your writing sound hesitant or lacking in conviction. Opt for more decisive language when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but probably" functions as a conjunctive phrase used to introduce a contrast or qualification to a preceding statement. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It indicates a degree of uncertainty or likelihood regarding the contrasting statement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

0.5%

Academia

0.3%

Encyclopedias

0.2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but probably" is a grammatically sound and frequently used conjunctive phrase that introduces a contrast with an element of uncertainty. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is considered correct in written English. It commonly appears in news and media contexts, offering a way to qualify statements. While versatile, it's essential to be mindful of the level of formality required and consider alternatives in more formal writing. The phrase's strength lies in its ability to convey a sense of possibility while acknowledging potential limitations, and it is abundantly supported by examples from various reliable sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yet quite possibly

Similar in meaning but emphasizes the possibility more strongly.

yet likely

Replaces "probably" with "likely", offering a slightly more formal alternative.

but conceivably

Replaces "probably" with "conceivably", suggesting a possibility, however remote.

though possibly

Substitutes "but" with "though" and "probably" with "possibly", softening the contrast.

even so, perhaps

Uses "even so" to replace "but", adding a touch of resignation, and replaces "probably" with "perhaps".

though not certainly

Replaces "probably" with a more direct statement of uncertainty.

however unlikely

Emphasizes the contrast and the lower likelihood of the alternative.

nonetheless seemingly

Offers a more formal alternative, replacing "but" with "nonetheless" and "probably" with "seemingly".

while doubtfully

Expresses a contrasting view with a sense of doubt.

still perchance

Replaces "but" with "still" and "probably" with "perchance", introducing a more archaic tone.

FAQs

How can I use "but probably" in a sentence?

Use "but probably" to introduce a contrasting idea or a degree of uncertainty to a statement. For example, "I will finish the report today, but probably not before 5 PM".

What are some alternatives to "but probably"?

You can use alternatives like "yet likely", "though possibly", or "however unlikely" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "but probably" and "but possibly"?

Yes, "but probably" suggests a higher degree of likelihood than "but possibly". "Probably" implies a reasonable chance, while "possibly" indicates a more remote chance.

Is "but probably" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "but probably" may sound informal in certain contexts. In formal writing, consider alternatives like "however likely" or "nonetheless seemingly" for a more professional tone.