but probably sooner

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but probably sooner" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is expected to happen sooner than a previously mentioned time frame. Example: "The project deadline is set for next month, but probably sooner if we can finalize the details quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Back a critic of cloning into a corner and sooner or later (but probably sooner) he'll reach for a Nazi analogy.

The Economist

But probably sooner than later.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

But sometime this year, probably sooner rather than later, MySpace is going to turn off their free music streaming and move to a subscription model.

TechCrunch

Perhaps the slightly revived economy will prompt someone to offer $1 billion or more, but at some point, probably sooner than later, the judge will most likely tell Tribune which bidder is best.

The New York Times - Sports

But at some point, probably sooner rather than later, Coffman will materialize, and he'll surely face questions from reporters about the many and varied iterations of his apology for his birther moment.

Huffington Post

In some years it could be a positive but sooner or later – and probably sooner – it would achieve the opposite of what is intended and bump out a horse with a decent chance, replacing it with an outsider.

The Guardian - Sport

But that could change, and probably sooner than later.

Huffington Post

There is no way to know where or when the liquidation will end, but it will inevitably do so, probably sooner, rather than later".

Huffington Post

They've really been hammered, and it's actually accelerating". The researchers predicted that, given the current trend, the ape population will decline by another 80percentt within 30 years, but probably much sooner if the loss continues to accelerate.

Princeton University

The timeline for this transaction is still up in the air, but I will certainly be moving within a month, probably sooner.

The New York Times

The weather setback has prompted jokes online like, "Maybe the storm is divine punishment!" Real funny guys, but it's clearly a consequence of global warming (Republicans would probably sooner admit God hates them then the world is getting warmer).

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but probably sooner" to create a sense of anticipation or urgency, suggesting that an event may occur earlier than initially expected. This can be effective in drawing the reader's attention and highlighting potential opportunities or challenges.

Common error

Avoid excessive use of "probably" in your writing, as it can weaken your statements and make you sound indecisive. If you have strong evidence to support your claims, consider using more confident language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but probably sooner" functions as a conjunctive phrase. It serves to connect two clauses while introducing an element of likelihood and anticipation, suggesting that an event may occur earlier than previously stated. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is indeed correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but probably sooner" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that serves to adjust expectations about timing, suggesting an event is likely to happen earlier than initially stated. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is primarily used in News & Media contexts, with a neutral register suitable for various discussions. While not extremely common, its effectiveness lies in its ability to create anticipation and highlight potential opportunities. Remember to use this phrase judiciously, considering the context and desired tone of your writing. Explore the provided alternatives and best practices to refine your communication further.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but likely earlier

Replaces "probably" with "likely", offering a slightly more confident prediction.

but almost certainly sooner

Emphasizes the high likelihood of the event happening sooner.

but quite possibly sooner

Suggests a possibility with a hint of uncertainty.

but more than likely sooner

Similar to "likely earlier", but with a slightly stronger emphasis.

but sooner rather than later

Expresses the idea of something happening sooner, adding emphasis on the timing.

but potentially sooner

Highlights the possibility of an earlier occurrence.

but in all likelihood sooner

Offers a formal way to indicate a high probability.

but it's expected sooner

Indicates an anticipation or expectation for the event to occur sooner.

but it's quite possible sooner

Emphasizes the possibility of it happening sooner.

but ahead of schedule

Suggests that something will be completed before the expected timeframe.

FAQs

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

You can use "but probably sooner" to indicate that something is likely to happen earlier than initially anticipated. For instance: "The project's deadline is next month, "but probably sooner" if the team works efficiently."

What are some alternatives to "but probably sooner"?

Alternatives include phrases like "but likely earlier", "but sooner rather than later", or "but almost certainly sooner", depending on the desired level of certainty and emphasis.

Is it grammatically correct to say "but probably sooner"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase functions as a conjunction phrase indicating a likely adjustment to a previously stated timeline.

What's the difference between "but probably sooner" and "but possibly sooner"?

"But probably sooner" suggests a higher degree of likelihood than "but possibly sooner". "Probably" implies a stronger expectation based on available information, whereas "possibly" indicates a mere chance or potential.