but probably not

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but probably not" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when one is considering something that is unlikely to come true. For example: "I would really like to take a vacation, but probably not this year due to all the expenses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Perhaps, but probably not.

The New York Times

But probably not soon.

The Economist

Maybe, but probably not.

The New York Times - Sports

Maybe yes, but probably not.

Independent

(But probably not "The Graduate").

The New York Times

But probably not for long.

The New York Times

But probably not enough.

The Washington Post

But probably not many.

The Washington Post

But probably not those.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Elliot may bite you, but probably not.

The New Yorker

Some more, but probably not much.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but probably not" to introduce a contrasting idea that tempers a previous statement with a degree of uncertainty. It's effective when you want to express doubt without completely dismissing a possibility.

Common error

While "but probably not" is acceptable in many situations, overuse in formal writing can make your tone seem indecisive. Consider stronger, more direct alternatives in professional or academic settings to maintain a confident voice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but probably not" functions as a qualifier or a hedge. It is used to express doubt or uncertainty about a statement that precedes it. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely accepted and used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but probably not" is a versatile tool for expressing uncertainty or doubt. As Ludwig AI reports, it is considered grammatically correct and is frequently employed in various forms of writing, particularly in news and media. While it's most at home in neutral contexts, it's wise to use it sparingly in very formal settings to maintain a confident tone. When you need to temper a statement without completely dismissing it, "but probably not" is a handy and effective choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but it's questionable

Adds a clause emphasizing the uncertainty of the matter.

though it's uncertain

Similar to "but it's questionable", but with a different wording.

though unlikely

Emphasizes the low likelihood of something happening.

yet improbable

Stresses the unlikelihood of an event or situation.

however doubtful

Highlights the uncertainty and lack of conviction.

still questionable

Indicates that something remains uncertain or unresolved.

even if doubtful

Suggests that something is unlikely to happen.

albeit uncertain

Acknowledges uncertainty despite a previous statement.

while not guaranteed

Indicates that an outcome is not assured.

although not expected

Implies a lack of anticipation for something to occur.

FAQs

How can I use "but probably not" in a sentence?

"But probably not" is used to express uncertainty or doubt after making a statement. For example, "I'm hoping for a promotion this year, "but probably not" given the company's current financial situation."

What are some alternatives to "but probably not"?

Alternatives include phrases like "though unlikely", "however doubtful", or "yet improbable", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "but probably not"?

While grammatically acceptable to start a sentence with "but", starting a sentence with ""but probably not"" alone is less common. It typically follows a previous statement, so it's usually part of a compound sentence or a response in a dialogue.

What's the difference between "but probably not" and "but definitely not"?

"But probably not" expresses a degree of uncertainty, suggesting something is unlikely. In contrast, "but definitely not" indicates a much stronger conviction that something will not happen, expressing certainty.