is it probable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is it probable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when inquiring about the likelihood or chance of something happening. Example: "Is it probable that we will finish the project by the deadline?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Nor is it probable that the entire 16-acre parcel will be set aside for a memorial to victims of the attack on Sept. 11.

The New York Times

Nor is it probable that any of the survivors happened to be tuned in on a short-wave rebroadcast of an extraordinary announcement by the President of the United States, which identified the new bomb as atomic: "That bomb had more power than twenty thousand tons of TNT.

The New Yorker

Mr. Cheney's card is dominated by a quotation by Benjamin Franklin: "And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid?" It's hard not to see that as a boast that the U.S. has become the global superpower because God is on our side.

The New York Times

Direct action of cadmium on the cells is not likely, nor is it probable that low level exposure to cadmium can be a causative factor for prostatic cancer.

Environmental Health Perspectives

No attempt to apply the full logical reductionist framework in the tradition of the Vienna Circle was attempted, nor is it probable that any practising scientist would have the time or inclination to try.

BMC Systems Biology

Thus it is not likely that the main function of AcP10 is to regulate the expression of Nkx3.1 in lumenal epithelial cells; nor is it probable that Nkx3.1 is a main determinant of the activity of AcP10 in such cells.

DMM Disease Models and Mechanisms

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

But if the resurrection is possible, is it logically probable?

Huffington Post

How probable is it?" or "What is the concrete evidence?

Huffington Post

It has also said in Securities and Exchange Commission filings that it is "probable" it will receive the tanker order this year.

The New York Times

"It is quite probable that it was heading a heavy football that caused it.

The Guardian

It is possible, probable, that it brings subscribers to HBO.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using quantitative measures to support your assessment of probability. For example, instead of just asking "is it probable", provide more context by specifying "is it 80% probable".

Common error

Avoid using "is it probable" when the outcome is already known or highly certain. It is more suitable for situations where genuine uncertainty exists and careful consideration is required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is it probable" serves as an interrogative expression, prompting an evaluation of the likelihood of a particular event or outcome. Ludwig AI indicates that the expression is correct and usable in written English. It invites consideration of evidence and factors influencing the chance of something occurring.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is it probable" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase employed to inquire about the likelihood of an event. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is correct and usable in written English. Its usage spans across various contexts, including news reporting, scientific discussions, and academic analyses, while maintaining a formal tone. Although not exceedingly common, it holds a valuable place in expressing uncertainty and seeking reasoned evaluations. Alternatives like "how likely is it" and "what are the chances" offer similar ways to assess possibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

how likely is it

Rephrases the question to focus on the degree of likelihood.

what are the chances

Uses a more informal and conversational approach to inquire about probability.

is it plausible

Emphasizes the believability or reasonableness of an event.

is it feasible

Focuses on the practicality and possibility of something occurring.

is there a strong possibility

Highlights the strength or intensity of the possibility.

is it within the realm of possibility

Considers whether something is possible, even if unlikely.

is it conceivable

Explores whether something is imaginable or thinkable.

how possible is it

Focuses on the degree of possibility of the event.

what's the likelihood

Asks directly about the chance of something happening.

is it to be expected

Questions whether something is predictable or anticipated.

FAQs

What does "is it probable" mean?

The phrase "is it probable" questions the likelihood or chance of something happening. It asks whether an event or outcome is likely to occur based on the available evidence or understanding.

How can I use "is it probable" in a sentence?

You can use "is it probable" to start a question about the chance of an event. For example: "Is it probable that the project will be completed on time?" or "Is it probable that the weather will be sunny tomorrow?".

What's the difference between "is it probable" and "is it possible"?

"Is it possible" asks whether something can happen, while "is it probable" asks whether something is likely to happen. Something can be possible but not probable. Probability implies a higher degree of likelihood than mere possibility.

What are some alternatives to "is it probable"?

Alternatives to "is it probable" include "how likely is it", "what are the chances", or "is it plausible". The best alternative depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.