is highly improbable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is highly improbable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong belief that something is unlikely to happen or be true. Example: "Given the evidence presented, it is highly improbable that the event will occur as predicted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it is highly improbable.

The New York Times

"That is highly improbable.

The New York Times

That prospect is highly improbable.

The New York Times

That scenario is highly improbable, but not impossible.

The Guardian - Opinion

Surely their recovery is highly improbable, if not impossible.

The New Yorker

Thus, it is highly improbable that any set of models will contain the 'true' system structure.

Applied Mathematical Modelling

For the majority of people with a television in their living room, that scenario is highly improbable.

The Guardian - Tech

"It is highly improbable that a fully fledged click system could arise from nonclick precursors," Dr. Traill said.

The New York Times - Science

Despite one in three voters saying they may still change their mind, a substantial movement to Labour is highly improbable.

The Guardian

It is highly improbable, he said, that a person is unaware that he or she is carrying drugs.

The New York Times - Magazine

At the same time, dwindling farmlands and, especially in China, urbanisation are curbing supply.Yet Malthusian doom is highly improbable.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is highly improbable" to express a strong conviction that something is unlikely to occur. It adds a formal tone and is suitable for academic, scientific, or journalistic writing.

Common error

Avoid using "is highly improbable" when a situation is merely uncertain or speculative, not decidedly unlikely. This phrase implies a robust basis for skepticism, so ensure your assessment is well-supported.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is highly improbable" functions as a judgmental expression, typically used to evaluate the likelihood of a particular event or scenario. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, supporting its assertive function in written communication.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

57%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is highly improbable" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey a strong sense of unlikelihood. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is deemed correct and suitable for formal contexts such as news, science, and academic writing. The phrase's primary function is to express doubt and skepticism, informing the audience that a particular event or outcome is not expected to occur. While alternatives exist, such as "is very unlikely", "is highly improbable" adds a layer of formality and precision, making it a valuable tool for professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is exceedingly improbable

Emphasizes improbability to a greater degree.

is very unlikely

A more common and slightly less formal way to express improbability.

is quite doubtful

Focuses on the uncertainty and skepticism surrounding an event.

is scarcely possible

Highlights the minimal chance of something occurring.

is remotely feasible

Suggests the idea is implausible with only a slight chance of success.

is hardly imaginable

Stresses how difficult it is to conceive of something happening.

is against all odds

Emphasizes that something contradicts existing knowledge or expectations.

has little prospect

Indicates the outlook or expectation is unfavorable.

defies expectation

Indicates the event is almost impossible according to previous knowledge.

borders on impossibility

Shows that the event is not possible, but it's very close to it.

FAQs

What does "is highly improbable" mean?

The phrase "is highly improbable" indicates that something is very unlikely to happen or to be true. It suggests a strong degree of skepticism or disbelief.

How can I use "is highly improbable" in a sentence?

You can use "is highly improbable" to describe events, outcomes, or scenarios that are unlikely. For example: "Given the data, a positive result "is highly improbable"."

What can I say instead of "is highly improbable"?

You can use alternatives like "is very unlikely", "is quite doubtful", or "is scarcely possible" depending on the context.

Is "is highly improbable" the same as "is impossible"?

No, "is highly improbable" suggests a very low probability, whereas "is impossible" means something cannot occur under any circumstances. "Is highly improbable" leaves open a slim chance, while "is impossible" does not.