but probably lacks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but probably lacks" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting that something is likely missing or deficient in a certain aspect. Example: "The report is thorough, but probably lacks sufficient data to support its conclusions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The follow-up, I've heard, is actually pretty nice and has a few decent games, but probably lacks the following necessary to make it a viable market for serious developers.

TechCrunch

It also contacts the dorsolateral margin of the posterior process of the maxilla, but probably lacks a contact with the jugal.

Plosone

At extreme values it can expose administrative process failure within individual Trusts but probably lacks specificity for meaningful use as an inter-Trust theatre performance indicator.

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

It was also noted that the quality of the rural health workers may improve if they get supervision from consultants, something that many respondents felt was necessary but probably lacking at the moment.

BMC Medical Education

Granted The Lost Honour Of Christopher Jefferies was a worthy and sharply told drama, and Watkins put in a hugely sympathetic shift as the lecturer wrongly accused of the murder of Joanna Yeates, but he probably lacks the name recognition of the other trio here.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

We also detected cross-reactivity with the D. mojavensis D element (lane 4), but it is so slight that it probably lacks biological significance.

Gene

Crossley probably lacks de Rothschild's hinterland, but she would share the view: she wouldn't marry a pauper.

The Guardian - Opinion

Renamo probably lacks the muscle for that, but it could still carry out acts of sabotage.Can a deal be struck?

The Economist

WASHINGTON -- Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt). said Wednesday that Congress probably lacks the will to challenge Wall Street, but nevertheless vowed to try again to pass legislation aimed at breaking up America's too-big-to-fail banks.

Huffington Post

It is edgy about enlargement, though probably lacks the gall to stop it.

The Economist

Jordan Spieth probably lacks the panache, charisma or even mean streak to single-handedly haul golf into a new era.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "but probably lacks", ensure the "but" clause introduces a genuine contrast. This highlights the missing element more effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "but probably lacks" when the deficiency is already strongly implied. Overuse can weaken your argument. Consider alternatives if the lack is obvious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but probably lacks" functions as a conjunction phrase introducing a contrast and a qualification. The "but" connects two opposing ideas, while "probably lacks" suggests a likely deficiency or absence of something. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "but probably lacks" is a common and grammatically correct conjunction phrase used to introduce a contrast alongside a likely deficiency. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's versatile enough for various contexts, particularly in news and scientific writing. When using this phrase, ensure a genuine contrast is present to highlight the missing element. Alternatives such as "but likely lacks" or "though it may lack" offer similar nuances. Be mindful not to overstate the deficiency and choose "probably" vs "definitely" based on your confidence level.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but likely lacks

Replaces "probably" with "likely", offering a slightly stronger sense of probability.

though it may lack

Emphasizes the contrast using "though" and introduces a possibility with "may".

however, it seems to lack

Uses "however" for a clearer contrast and "seems to lack" for a more observational tone.

yet it appears to be missing

Employs "yet" for contrast and "appears to be missing" to denote a perceived absence.

but it seemingly lacks

Substitutes "probably" with "seemingly" for a nuanced perspective.

while it may be deficient in

Replaces "lacks" with "be deficient in", providing a more formal alternative.

although it doesn't quite have

Uses a more informal tone with "doesn't quite have" to express the lack.

but it is perhaps short on

Expresses a shortage using "short on", adding a touch of uncertainty with "perhaps".

though arguably deficient in

Introduces an element of debate with "arguably" and uses "deficient in" for a more analytical tone.

nonetheless, it doesn't fully possess

Presents a formal contrast with "nonetheless" and indicates incomplete possession.

FAQs

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

Use "but probably lacks" to contrast a positive aspect with a likely deficiency, like: "The plan is innovative, but probably lacks a realistic budget".

What are some alternatives to "but probably lacks"?

Consider using phrases like "but likely lacks", "though it may lack", or "however it seems to lack" for similar meanings.

Is it better to say "but probably lacks" or "but definitely lacks"?

"But probably lacks" suggests uncertainty, while "but definitely lacks" asserts certainty. Choose based on the degree of confidence you want to convey.

What's the difference between "but probably lacks" and "but certainly lacks"?

"But probably lacks" implies a strong likelihood of deficiency, whereas "but certainly lacks" asserts an undeniable absence or shortage. The latter is a stronger statement.