but probably as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but probably as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting a comparison or a likelihood of something being in a certain way, often followed by a description or qualification. Example: "The results may not be definitive, but probably as accurate as previous studies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

But probably as far as I've come in fishing, he's come in water sports".

The New York Times - Sports

Foreign grandees will be ferried around the city's canals to reduce traffic, say the authorities, but probably as much to prevent them noticing the state of the roads.

The Economist

Jean Britton feels the blisters under the balls of her feet and the aching of her thighs, which is much less cosmic, but probably as much to the point.

The Guardian

A big selling point of Abdullah Badawi, the prime minister and National Front leader, is his degree in Islamic studies.Mr Badawi was indeed an important factor in the election, but probably as much for his unsullied and gentlemanly reputation as for his Islamic credentials.

The Economist

London has installed cameras on the bottom of the pool, and occasionally — less often than I would have liked, but probably as often as the organizers dared — we would be granted cutaway shots, screened at the ends of the pool, of what was going on down there.

The New Yorker

Sigil is a pack of nine levels that are an unofficial, but probably as official as we're likely to get, fifth "episode" of Doom.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

That inheritance includes a squad struggling for fitness and players who are not as bad as they look but probably not as good as many think.

The Guardian - Sport

"It will be a tense game but probably not as tense as last Saturday as there are two legs.

BBC

But this is probably as close to a baseball dream come true as you can get.

The New York Times - Sports

But this is probably as good a time to come in as it gets".

The Guardian - Sport

City go top on goal difference, but that's probably as good a result as Arsenal could have hoped for.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "but probably as", ensure the sentence structure allows for a clear comparison or qualification. The phrase works best when immediately followed by what it modifies.

Common error

Avoid using "but probably as" when making definitive statements. The phrase is best suited for situations involving uncertainty or possibility, not concrete facts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but probably as" functions as a conjunctional phrase introducing a contrast while simultaneously expressing a degree of probability or approximation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and usable. Examples show it often qualifies a previous statement or comparison.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but probably as" is a conjunctional phrase used to introduce a contrast with an element of uncertainty, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions to soften statements, making them less assertive and more nuanced. While grammatically correct and versatile, its frequency is uncommon, appearing mostly in News & Media and Science contexts. When writing, it’s best to use this phrase when you want to temper a contrasting idea with a sense of likelihood rather than definitive fact, avoiding its misuse in absolute statements. Consider alternatives like "but quite possibly as" for similar effects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but quite possibly as

Emphasizes possibility with 'quite', adding a slightly stronger degree of likelihood.

yet conceivably as

Uses 'conceivably' to highlight the potential, though perhaps unexpected, nature of the comparison.

however perhaps as

Introduces a more formal tone, using 'however' and 'perhaps' to softly introduce the comparison.

though realistically as

Suggests a practical or realistic perspective on the likelihood of the comparison.

still plausibly as

Implies that despite other factors, the comparison remains believable or possible.

nonetheless presumable as

Offers a tentative assumption despite a previous statement, using 'presumable' to suggest a reasonable guess.

but seemingly as

Focuses on the apparent nature of the comparison, implying that it may not be entirely accurate.

yet by all appearances as

Highlights that the comparison is based on observable evidence, though perhaps superficially.

however, on the face of it, as

Indicates that the comparison is true upon initial observation, but may require further scrutiny.

though under certain conditions as

Specifies that the comparison holds true only when particular criteria are met.

FAQs

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

The phrase "but probably as" is used to introduce a comparison or qualification with an element of uncertainty. For example, "The new system is complex, but probably as efficient as the old one."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "but probably as"?

Similar phrases include "but quite possibly as", "however perhaps as", or "though realistically as", each adding a slightly different nuance to the level of certainty.

Is it always necessary to use "but" before "probably as"?

While "but" introduces a contrast, it's often essential for setting up the comparison or qualification that follows. You can omit "but" in some contexts, but it changes the sentence's structure and emphasis. Using only "probably as" is suitable if a contrast isn't needed.

Can "but probably as" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "but probably as" is appropriate for formal writing. However, consider the specific context and audience. If a more direct or assertive tone is desired, alternative phrases might be more suitable.