is probably

USAGE SUMMARY

"is probably" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is used to suggest that something is likely to be true or happen, but not certain. Example: "She is probably running late, so we should start without her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is probably right.

The New York Times

That is probably healthy.

The Economist

That is probably impossible.

The Economist

He is probably correct.

The New York Times - Sports

This is probably mistaken.

Encyclopedia Britannica

America is probably anxious.

The Economist

She is probably right.

The New York Times - Sports

This is probably fantasy.

The Economist

That is probably bluster.

The Economist

This is probably true.

The New York Times

That is probably right.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is probably" to indicate a reasonable degree of certainty based on available information, but avoid using it when absolute certainty is required. Instead, use stronger assertions or qualifiers as appropriate.

Common error

In formal writing, excessive use of "is probably" can weaken your argument. Replace some instances with stronger verbs or more precise qualifiers to enhance the impact and credibility of your statements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is probably" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifically expressing a degree of likelihood or probability. It modifies the verb 'is' to indicate that the statement is likely to be true, but not definitively certain. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this is a correct and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is probably" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase used to express likelihood or possibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a standard way to qualify a statement without asserting absolute certainty. Predominantly found in News & Media, Encyclopedia entries and occasionally within scientific contexts, it serves to hedge claims and avoid overstatement. While versatile, it should be used thoughtfully to ensure accuracy and clarity, avoiding overuse in formal writing where more precise language might be appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is likely

Uses a different adjective to express probability, maintaining a similar level of formality.

most likely is

Reorders the words to shift emphasis, maintaining the same level of certainty.

is possibly

Replaces "probably" with "possibly", suggesting a slightly lower degree of certainty.

in all likelihood is

Introduces a more formal tone while expressing a high degree of probability.

is perhaps

Employs "perhaps" instead of "probably", offering a more tentative assertion.

is presumably

Indicates that something is likely based on assumption or prior evidence, adding a layer of inference.

it seems probable that

Adds a layer of observation and deduction to the expression of probability.

chances are it is

Uses an idiomatic expression to indicate a good possibility.

it is reasonable to assume

Presents the statement as a logical conclusion rather than a direct assertion of probability.

one can expect that

Shifts the focus to expectation, implying probability based on typical outcomes.

FAQs

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

"Is probably" is used to express that something is likely but not certain. For example, "He "is probably late" because of the traffic."

What are some alternatives to "is probably"?

Alternatives include "is likely", "is possibly", or "is presumably" depending on the degree of certainty you want to convey.

Is it better to say "is probably" or "probably is"?

"Is probably" is the more common and grammatically standard order. "Probably is" can sound awkward in most contexts, although it might be used for emphasis in specific situations.

What's the difference between "is probably" and "is certainly"?

"Is probably" indicates a likelihood, while "is certainly" expresses a high degree of confidence or near certainty. The choice depends on the evidence supporting the statement.