doesn't seem probable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "doesn't seem probable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing doubt or skepticism about the likelihood of a particular event or situation occurring. Example: "Given the current evidence, it doesn't seem probable that the project will be completed on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Unless courts intervene, which doesn't seem probable at this point, the Eighteenth Congressional District is about to be scrambled in Pennsylvania's redistricting and will no longer exist, as it is now, by the time of the midterms in November.

The New Yorker

A rapid surge in prices doesn't seem probable.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Though she will be on hand when needed for media calls and important events, it does not seem probable she will embrace the spotlight.

The Guardian

Given the long-standing nature of discussions about bequest taxation in Switzerland, an equivalent shift does not seem probable to us (see Brülhart and Parchet 2014).

Swiss Journal of Economics and Statistics

And later Scotus notes that it "does not seem probable" that the common nature has some kind of entity and yet that the individuating feature does not.

SEP

He did not think that forests had an influence on climate at the global scale: "it does not seem probable that the forests sensibly affect the total quantity of precipitation, or the general mean of the atmospheric temperature of the globe" (Marsh 1864).

Forest Ecosystems

This possibility must be considered but does not seem probable, as dogs were the third-most prevalent species in the city of Torre de Pedra, being outnumbered only by cows.

Archives of Virology

Based on the above mentioned data, the hypothesis that the concomitant development of two different histological types of germ cell tumour in the same patient is random, does not seem probable.

BMC Clinical Pathology

However, since we used an intent-to-treat approach to the analysis, it does not seem probable that this fact affected the external validity of the study in a relevant manner.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Such big-time success didn't seem probable back in 1977.

Forbes

While it's possible now, it sure didn't seem probable in the first weeks of the show.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "doesn't seem probable" when you want to express a degree of skepticism or uncertainty, but without completely ruling out a possibility. It's useful in situations where you want to avoid making a definitive statement.

Common error

Avoid using "doesn't seem probable" when the situation is clearly impossible. This phrase implies a degree of possibility, so it's inappropriate when there's overwhelming evidence against something happening.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "doesn't seem probable" functions as a hedge, softening a statement of improbability. It indicates a degree of doubt or skepticism, as demonstrated in Ludwig, without entirely dismissing the possibility. It is mostly used as modal qualifier of likelihood.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "doesn't seem probable" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to convey a degree of doubt or skepticism, without completely ruling out a possibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, primarily appearing in News & Media and Science. When using this phrase, ensure that the situation isn't clearly impossible, as this phrase implies a degree of possibility. Consider alternatives like "seems unlikely" or "is not likely" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seems unlikely

Replaces "doesn't seem probable" with a more direct expression of improbability using the adjective "unlikely".

appears improbable

Uses the verb "appears" to soften the statement, while retaining a formal tone and the core meaning.

is not likely

A straightforward substitution, replacing "seem probable" with the more common "is not likely".

is doubtful

Emphasizes the uncertainty and lack of conviction in the possibility of something happening.

is questionable

Suggests there are reasons to doubt the likelihood or validity of something.

is open to doubt

Highlights the uncertainty and invites skepticism about the possibility of something happening.

is subject to doubt

Similar to "is open to doubt", but emphasizes that the thing in question is susceptible to skepticism.

cannot be regarded as probable

A more formal and emphatic way of expressing doubt, suggesting a stronger rejection of probability.

presents low odds

Conveys the concept of improbability through the metaphor of low odds, framing it as a quantitative assessment.

defies expectations

Highlights the counterintuitive nature of the statement, indicating it goes against what might be typically expected.

FAQs

What does "doesn't seem probable" mean?

The phrase "doesn't seem probable" means that something is unlikely to happen or be true, but it's not entirely impossible. It expresses a degree of doubt or skepticism.

How can I use "doesn't seem probable" in a sentence?

You can use "doesn't seem probable" to express your doubt about a future event or a current situation. For example, "Given the lack of funding, it "doesn't seem probable" that the project will be completed on time."

What are some alternatives to "doesn't seem probable"?

Alternatives include "seems unlikely", "is not likely", or "appears improbable". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "doesn't seem probable"?

It's appropriate when you want to express a degree of uncertainty or doubt, but not a complete dismissal. Use it when there's a possibility, however small, that something could happen or be true.