exceptionally unlikely that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exceptionally unlikely that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a very low probability of something occurring. Example: "Given the current evidence, it is exceptionally unlikely that the event will take place as planned."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The risks are too great, albeit exceptionally unlikely that there would be comeback.

BMJ Open

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Unless we can invent an inexpensive and safe, reliable way of supporting human beings in space (something that would seem exceptionally unlikely), whatever the future of humankind will be, it will be on Earth, not on our Moon, not on Mars and, I would agree, certainly not on a small asteroid.

The New York Times

There also might have been a third path, but it seems exceptionally unlikely to be pursued.

The New York Times

Table 1 Probability ranges for verbal descriptions, taken from Morgan (2009) Verbal term Probability range Virtually certain >0.99 Very likely 0.9 0.99 Likely 0.66 0.9 Medium likelihood 0.33 0.66 Unlikely 0.1 0.33 Very unlikely 0.01 0.1 Exceptionally unlikely <0.01.

Crime Science

In the exceptionally unlikely event of finding human bodily remains, contact the local police immediately.

WikiHow

While the Swedish are reported to be exceptionally family-oriented, it is unlikely that even they would consider the S80′s luxurious leather upholstery suitable for children.

Forbes

"If they were exceptionally good and exceptionally sympathetic, that could work to your advantage".

The New York Times

"He played exceptionally well, that's for sure.

BBC

"It is unlikely that L.T.E.

The New York Times - Tech

Therefore, it is unlikely that our RIND-EDSB results were biased.>> In conclusion, the most frequent sequence before breaks was observed to be "ACGT", which had an exceptionally high odds ratio (the red triangles in Figure  6).

BMC Genomics

"How unlikely is that?

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exceptionally unlikely that", ensure the context clearly supports the strong degree of improbability you're conveying. Avoid overusing the phrase to maintain its impact.

Common error

Don't use "exceptionally unlikely that" when a simpler "unlikely" or "very unlikely" suffices. Overstating improbability can weaken your argument if the situation doesn't warrant it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exceptionally unlikely that" functions as a qualifier, expressing a very low degree of probability. It is used to indicate that a particular outcome or event is highly improbable. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exceptionally unlikely that" is a grammatically sound way to express a very low probability. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. While not overly common, it appears in a variety of sources, including news, science, and wikis. When using this phrase, consider the context and ensure that such a strong degree of improbability is truly warranted. For more formal settings, alternatives such as "highly improbable that" or "virtually impossible that" may be more appropriate. The rarity of the phrase suggests that synonyms may be preferred or that the concept can be conveyed differently.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highly improbable that

Emphasizes a low probability, similar to "exceptionally unlikely that" but with a slightly different tone.

very improbable that

Indicates a strong degree of improbability, close in meaning to the original phrase.

extremely doubtful that

Highlights the uncertainty and disbelief associated with the possibility of something happening.

virtually impossible that

Suggests that something is almost impossible, indicating a very low chance of occurring.

hardly likely that

Indicates a low expectation or probability of something happening.

scarcely possible that

Implies that something is barely conceivable or achievable.

remote chance that

Expresses a slight possibility, but one that is distant and unlikely.

slightest chance that

Emphasizes the minimal possibility of an event occurring.

not a prayer that

Informal expression indicating that there's no hope or chance of something happening.

against all odds that

Highlights the improbable nature of something happening, often suggesting a surprising outcome if it does occur.

FAQs

How can I use "exceptionally unlikely that" in a sentence?

You can use "exceptionally unlikely that" to express a very low probability of something occurring. For example: "Given the current evidence, it is "exceptionally unlikely that" the event will take place as planned."

What are some alternatives to "exceptionally unlikely that"?

You can use alternatives like "highly improbable that", "very improbable that", or "extremely doubtful that" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "unlikely" and "exceptionally unlikely that"?

"Unlikely" indicates a low probability, while "exceptionally unlikely that" suggests an even lower probability—almost to the point of impossibility.

Is it always appropriate to use "exceptionally unlikely that" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "exceptionally unlikely that" might be perceived as somewhat informal in very formal contexts. Consider alternatives like "highly improbable that" or "virtually impossible that" for a more polished tone.