improbable event

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "improbable event" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an occurrence that is unlikely to happen or has a low probability of occurring. Example: "Winning the lottery is often considered an improbable event, yet many people still buy tickets hoping for a miracle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

That improbable event is now routine.

The New Yorker

Imagine the glee of other newspapers covering this improbable event.

The New York Times

Demonstration of high structural reliability of them by extensive experimental and theoretical studies renders the double-ended guillotine rupture (DEGR) of a primary pipe a highly improbable event.

Nuclear Engineering and Design

In the improbable event of a huge attack that goes unabated for several days, the ability to connect to Web sites could be impaired.

The New York Times - Tech

These doubts could lead considering Seveso mishap as a "black swan" incident, i.e. an improbable event characterized by three peculiarities: it is not expected; it has an extreme impact; it is explainable and predictable after the fact.

Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries

They insist that they were just off on timing, or blindsided by an improbable event, or almost right, or wrong for the right reasons.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Highly improbable events were especially unsettling.

The New York Times

It wasn't just a set of improbable events".

The New York Times

They combine wildly improbable events with likable characters and a consistently amusing style.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Then again, this campaign has been a succession of improbable events.

The Economist

considering the possibilities of those improbable events that did indeed occur.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "improbable event" when you want to emphasize the low probability and unexpected nature of a particular occurrence.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the improbability of an event when data suggests otherwise. Saying something is an "improbable event" when similar events occur regularly weakens your argument.

Linguistic Context

"Improbable event" functions as a noun phrase, where "improbable" modifies the noun "event". Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It serves to categorize a specific kind of event based on its likelihood.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "improbable event" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote an occurrence with a low chance of happening. Ludwig AI's analysis underscores its versatility across various registers, predominantly in news and scientific contexts. While synonyms like "unlikely occurrence" exist, the specific choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey. Use the phrase judiciously, avoiding exaggeration, to maintain credibility. Therefore, you can use "improbable event" when you want to emphasize the low probability and unexpected nature of a particular occurrence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unlikely occurrence

Focuses on the occurrence itself being unlikely.

rare incident

Emphasizes the infrequency of the incident.

remote possibility

Highlights the distance from actualization.

slight chance

Indicates a minimal probability of happening.

dubious prospect

Suggests uncertainty and unlikelihood of a positive outcome.

unexpected happening

Highlights the surprise element of an unusual event.

extraordinary circumstance

Puts emphasis on the deviation from the norm.

fluke occurrence

Implies the event was due to chance or accident.

freak incident

Suggests an unusual and often negative event.

uncharted territory

Emphasizes that the event has never occurred before.

FAQs

How can I use "improbable event" in a sentence?

The phrase "improbable event" is used to describe something unlikely to happen. For example: "Winning the lottery is an "improbable event"."

What are some synonyms for "improbable event"?

Alternatives to "improbable event" include "unlikely occurrence", "rare incident", or "remote possibility".

Is it better to say "improbable event" or "impossible event"?

Use "improbable event" when something is unlikely but still possible. Use "impossible event" when something is completely not possible.

What does it mean to call something a "black swan" event in relation to an improbable event?

A "black swan" event is an "improbable event" with three principal characteristics: It is a surprise (to the observer), it has a major impact and after the fact, it is often inappropriately rationalized with the benefit of hindsight.