however improbable it sounds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "however improbable it sounds" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when introducing a statement or idea that may seem unlikely or hard to believe, yet is still true or worth considering. Example: "I know it seems strange, but however improbable it sounds, the theory has been proven by recent experiments."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Faced with the uncertainty of a condition that can manifest itself in many different ways, progress at variable speeds, and have multiple unpredictable endpoints, it's not surprising that we are so prone to grasp at any suggestion of a cure, however improbable it may sound, and however scant the evidence.

The Guardian

However improbable it seems, Kerviel hopes to become a trader again.

The New Yorker

So begins the love story, and the battle for Oliver and Delilah to be together, however improbable it seems.

Los Angeles Times

And it means it, however improbable that may sound.

The Economist

As improbable as it sounds, this leafy rumble on a plate was delightful, amazingly balanced.

The New York Times - Travel

Improbable as it sounds, Esther Shapiro has said that the series was partly inspired by Robert Graves's I, Claudius, with Alexis's character based on the scheming Livia.

Independent

As improbable as it sounds, researchers have found that a low-calorie meal plan that includes dessert with breakfast may help dieters.

The New York Times - Health

Improbable as it sounds, Mr. Chapin wrote the book while serving a sentence of 20 years to life for shooting his wife.

The New York Times

Improbable as it sounds, Johnson's injury might not keep him off the field for very long.

The Guardian - Sport

Improbable as it sounds, it's one possible explanation for how a $1.4 billion cable linking China to the western U.S. was severed.

Forbes

Improbable as it sounds, Trump continues to insist, "I am a unifier".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "however improbable it sounds" to introduce surprising or counterintuitive information, signaling to your audience that what follows might challenge their initial assumptions. This can create intrigue and encourage them to consider new perspectives.

Common error

Avoid using "however improbable it sounds" as a substitute for actual evidence or justification. While the phrase can soften the introduction of an unlikely claim, it doesn't negate the need to provide supporting information to make the claim more credible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "however improbable it sounds" functions as an introductory adverbial phrase. It sets the stage for a statement that may seem unlikely or hard to believe, yet it is presented as true or worth considering. It is used to prepare the listener or reader for a potentially surprising or counterintuitive claim.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Wiki

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Encyclopedias

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Reference

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "however improbable it sounds" serves as a preface to introduce potentially unbelievable or counterintuitive statements. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound. Its purpose is to prepare the audience for surprising claims, encouraging open-mindedness and thoughtful consideration. While the phrase itself carries a neutral tone and can be used across various registers, the lack of examples impacts the ability to categorize frequency and dominant usage patterns in specific scenarios. To create intrigue and encourage receptiveness, you should strategically employ this phrase when presenting ideas that defy initial assumptions. It is a valid opening to facilitate potentially surprising or counterintuitive claims.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as unlikely as it may seem

Replaces "improbable" with "unlikely" and uses "seem" instead of "sounds".

improbable as it may be

Inverts the structure for emphasis.

though it may seem hard to believe

Emphasizes the difficulty in believing the statement.

even if it seems far-fetched

Uses "far-fetched" to describe the unlikelihood.

as much as it defies belief

Emphasizes the statement's resistance to being believed.

despite how unbelievable it may appear

Highlights the unbelievable nature of the statement.

however counterintuitive that may seem

Highlights the statement's opposition to intuition.

however dubious that might seem

Replaces "improbable" with "dubious" to indicate uncertainty.

though it stretches credulity

Indicates that the statement tests the limits of believability.

even if it's a long shot

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey low probability.

FAQs

How can I use "however improbable it sounds" in a sentence?

Use "however improbable it sounds" to preface a statement that may seem unlikely or difficult to believe, but is nonetheless true or significant. For example, "However improbable it sounds, the small village produced three Olympic athletes".

What are some alternatives to "however improbable it sounds"?

You can use alternatives such as "as unlikely as it may seem", "though it may seem hard to believe", or "even if it seems far-fetched".

Is it grammatically correct to say "however improbable it sounds"?

Yes, "however improbable it sounds" is grammatically correct. The phrase uses "however" to introduce a contrasting or surprising element, followed by an adjective ("improbable") and a clause indicating the perceived unlikelihood.

What is the difference between "however improbable it sounds" and "no matter how improbable it sounds"?

The phrases are very similar. "However improbable it sounds" is slightly more concise and common. "No matter how improbable it sounds" emphasizes the lack of influence that the improbability has on the truth or importance of the statement.