improbable though it may be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "improbable though it may be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a statement or idea that is unlikely or difficult to believe, while acknowledging that it is still a possibility. Example: "Improbable though it may be, some scientists believe that life could exist on other planets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Improbable though it may be, in the event the Yankees should pull it off, we should be prepared to understand the historical context.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Boring though it may be.

Forbes

Tempting though it may be.

Vice

What scientists understand about cultural evolution suggests that, while improbable, it may be possible to move cultures in such directions.

Huffington Post

The American, though, has never subscribed to that belief, saying always that it may be improbable but it is certainly not impossible; nothing in his book is.

The Guardian - Sport

It may be improbable Christmas fare but it will undoubtedly be a treat.

The Guardian

On weekends it may be full though.

WikiHow

It may be worth it, though.

University of California, Berkeley

It may be something else, though.

WikiHow

It may be a close fight, though.

Los Angeles Times

And improbable though it may seem, it might soon be time to use them in connection with Tim Sherwood, who is proving, once again, that despite the myriad attempts at obfuscation, football is a simple endeavour.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "improbable though it may be" to introduce a surprising or counterintuitive idea while still acknowledging its possibility. This can add nuance and depth to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "improbable though it may be" as a rhetorical device to quickly dismiss ideas without proper consideration. Ensure that you provide sufficient evidence or reasoning, even when introducing an unlikely concept.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "improbable though it may be" functions as an introductory adverbial phrase. It acknowledges the unlikelihood of a statement while still presenting it as a possibility. Ludwig AI indicates it's grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "improbable though it may be" is a grammatically sound introductory phrase used to present an idea that seems unlikely but is still worth considering. According to Ludwig AI, it's suitable for written English. It serves to soften potentially unbelievable claims and add nuance to your writing. While it appears in various contexts, it's most common in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure that you're not dismissing ideas prematurely and provide sufficient evidence to support your claims.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

though it seems improbable

Reverses the order of the original phrase, maintaining the core meaning.

implausible as it might be

Stresses the difficulty in believing the statement, yet acknowledges its possibility.

however unlikely it is

Uses 'however' to introduce the unlikely nature of the statement.

unlikely as it sounds

Emphasizes the unexpected or surprising nature of the statement.

even if it seems unlikely

Expresses the statement's validity regardless of its perceived unlikelihood.

despite its improbability

Highlights the improbability as a factor that doesn't negate the statement.

strange as it may seem

Emphasizes the unusual or peculiar nature of the assertion.

against all odds

Highlights the contrast between the likely outcome and the actual statement.

surprisingly enough

Emphasizes the surprising element of the statement.

unexpectedly

Focuses on the unexpected nature of the information being presented.

FAQs

How can I use "improbable though it may be" in a sentence?

You can use "improbable though it may be" to introduce a statement that seems unlikely but still holds a degree of possibility. For example, "Improbable though it may be, some scientists believe that life exists on other planets."

What phrases are similar to "improbable though it may be"?

Alternatives include "unlikely as it sounds", "though it seems improbable", or "however unlikely it is". Each emphasizes the surprising or unexpected nature of a statement.

Is it grammatically correct to use "improbable though it may be"?

Yes, "improbable though it may be" is grammatically correct and commonly used in formal writing and speech to introduce a seemingly unlikely idea.

What's the difference between "improbable though it may be" and "unlikely as it seems"?

While both phrases express doubt, "improbable though it may be" directly addresses the improbability, whereas "unlikely as it seems" focuses on the general unlikelihood or surprising nature of the statement.