he probably is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he probably is" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a likelihood or assumption about someone's state or condition. Example: "Given his recent behavior, he probably is feeling overwhelmed with work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His ability to switch speeds and pinpoint his pitches has impressed Manuel, who said "he probably is our sharpest pitcher".

The New York Times - Sports

Is he still waiting around for that award?" He probably is; this sort of modesty requires ego.

The New York Times

Yeah, he probably is.

The Guardian

"Yes, he probably is.

The New York Times - Sports

And he probably is.

The New York Times - Travel

And sometimes he probably is.

The Guardian - Sport

It's safe to say he probably is.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He probably is more tolerant of Democrats now.

The New York Times

He probably is worse, though it's not an important distinction.

The Guardian - Books

He probably is dead nice to his mum, though.

The Guardian - Music

He probably is sick, but I don't trust them".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for a more concise expression in informal contexts, consider shortening "he probably is" to "he's probably".

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "he probably is" in your writing, as it can make your assertions sound weak or uncertain. Vary your language by using stronger verbs or adverbs when appropriate to convey a greater sense of conviction.

Linguistic Context

The primary function of the phrase "he probably is" is to express a qualified assertion or a reasoned assumption. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English, indicating a likelihood. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use in various contexts to suggest a probable state or condition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Wiki

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he probably is" serves as a versatile tool for expressing reasoned assumptions with a degree of uncertainty. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When writing, remember to vary your language to avoid over-reliance on this phrase and choose stronger verbs or adverbs when a higher degree of certainty is intended. Consider alternatives like "he is likely to be" or "he may well be" for different shades of meaning. By following these guidelines, you can use "he probably is" effectively to convey nuanced opinions and judgments in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he most likely is

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

he is likely to be

Changes the structure to use "likely to be", maintaining a similar level of formality.

he is presumably

Uses "presumably" to indicate an assumption based on reasonable grounds.

he is possibly

Replaces "probably" with "possibly", suggesting a lower degree of certainty.

it's probable that he is

Employs a more formal structure to express the probability.

he may well be

Uses "may well be" to convey a strong possibility or likelihood.

he is perhaps

Substitutes "probably" with "perhaps", indicating a less confident assumption.

one can assume he is

Expresses the assumption more explicitly and formally.

chances are he is

Uses an idiomatic expression to suggest a high probability.

i'd wager he is

Introduces a betting analogy to indicate confidence in the assumption.

FAQs

How can I use "he probably is" in a sentence?

Use "he probably is" to express a likely assumption about someone or something, as in "Given his expertise, "he probably is" the best person for the job".

What are some alternatives to "he probably is"?

Alternatives include "he is likely to be", "he most likely is", or "he is presumably", depending on the degree of certainty you want to convey.

Is it better to say "he probably is" or "he is probably"?

Both "he probably is" and "he is probably" are grammatically correct and commonly used. The choice depends on personal preference and the rhythm of the sentence. "He's probably" is a more casual contraction.

What's the difference between "he probably is" and "he certainly is"?

"He probably is" indicates a level of uncertainty or assumption, while "he certainly is" expresses a higher degree of confidence and conviction.