is probable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is probable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a likelihood or chance of something happening. Example: "Given the current weather patterns, it is probable that we will experience rain later today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

And he will probably be joined by the rookie SANTANA MOSS, who is probable against Miami.

The New York Times - Sports

This is probable.

The New York Times

Bare-knuckle politics is probable.

The Guardian

(Polamalu, after all, is probable).

The New Yorker

"However, we do not believe that any loss is probable".

The New York Times

Iverson is probable for today's preseason game against Utah.

The New York Times - Sports

It is probable that neither has made up his mind.

The New Yorker

It is probable that this initial misstep will be repeated.

The New York Times

He is probable for Sunday's game against the Dolphins.

The New York Times - Sports

But that seems more systematic than is probable.

The New Yorker

Batch is probable, while Chandler might not play.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is probable" to express a reasoned assessment of likelihood, especially when you have supporting evidence or logical arguments. It is more formal than "is likely" but less definitive than "is certain".

Common error

Avoid using "is probable" when the outcome is virtually guaranteed or highly predictable. Opt for stronger terms like "is definite" or "will certainly" in such cases to accurately convey the level of certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is probable" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or clause to express a degree of likelihood or expectation. Ludwig shows numerous examples of its use in different contexts, confirming its role in indicating probability. Ludwig AI also marks it as correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Sports

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is probable" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate a reasoned assessment of likelihood. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's suitable for various contexts, ranging from news reports to scientific analyses. While "is probable" suggests a strong chance of occurrence, it's important to avoid overstating certainty, particularly when more conclusive terms would be more appropriate. Remember that while it indicates likelihood, it does not guarantee an outcome. The usage patterns reveal that "is probable" frequently appears in News & Media and Science sources, reflecting its utility in objective reporting and analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is likely

Indicates a high chance of occurrence, similar to "is probable" but slightly more direct.

is expected

Suggests anticipation based on current conditions, similar in strength to "is probable".

is anticipated

Implies foreseeing something happening, slightly more formal than "is probable".

is foreseen

Similar to 'is anticipated', but often implies a more distant future or a broader view.

is liable

Suggests a tendency or inclination toward something, sometimes implying a negative outcome.

is inclined

Implies a leaning towards something, often based on current evidence or trends.

is presumable

Suggests that something can be assumed based on available information.

is reasonable to assume

Highlights the logical basis for believing something is likely.

one can expect

Shifts the focus to what an observer might predict based on current information.

chances are

A more informal way to express likelihood, suitable for casual conversation.

FAQs

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

You can use "is probable" to indicate a reasonable expectation or likelihood of an event. For example, "It "is probable" that the game will be delayed due to rain".

What are some alternatives to saying "is probable"?

Alternatives include "is likely", "is expected", or "is anticipated", depending on the context and the degree of certainty you want to convey.

Which is more appropriate, "is probable" or "is possible"?

"Is probable" suggests a higher degree of likelihood than "is possible". Use "is probable" when there's a good reason to believe something will happen, and "is possible" when it's merely conceivable.

What's the difference between "is probable" and "is certain"?

"Is certain" indicates a guaranteed outcome, whereas "is probable" suggests a strong likelihood but acknowledges a degree of uncertainty. "Is certain" implies no doubt, while "is probable" allows for the possibility of an alternative outcome.