is very probable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is very probable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a likelihood or chance of something occurring. Example: "Given the current trends in the market, it is very probable that sales will increase in the next quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is very probable.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Jordan Henderson is very probable, as is Raheem Sterling and, in all likelihood, Frank Lampard.

The Guardian - Sport

"Paul is fine and it is very probable that he will start," Allegri said.

The Guardian - Sport

It is very probable that Paul spread the gospel in this way.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In that case, it is very probable that it originated about the 2nd century bce or a little later.

Britannica

Instead of saying "I think that... .. why not try "I think on the whole it is very probable that......

The Guardian

An automatic search of a database of speech also finds that it is very probable that "barks" follows "dog".

The New York Times - Science

In fact, it is very probable that anyone running against Mrs. Clinton would be flooded with donations from across the nation, political consultants say.

The New York Times

It is very probable that the evolution of better communications to the Pole will continue in rapid bursts of testing, prototyping and phased implementation.

Harvard University

It begins: It is very probable, especially if you are a young person, that you have never heard of Eugene Victor Debs.

The New Yorker

"This was a procedural decision," Mr. de Roux said, adding: "It is very probable that the family will appeal in the coming weeks".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is very probable" when you want to convey a strong likelihood but avoid stating something as a certainty. It's suitable for situations where evidence suggests a high chance of occurrence but doesn't guarantee it.

Common error

Avoid using "is very probable" when the evidence is weak or speculative. If the likelihood is based on limited information, consider using phrases that indicate less certainty, such as "is possibly likely" or "is potentially probable".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is very probable" functions as an evaluative expression, indicating a high degree of likelihood or possibility. According to Ludwig, the phrase conveys a sense of strong probability, suggesting something is quite likely to occur.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is very probable" serves as a versatile tool for expressing a strong likelihood while maintaining a neutral tone. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various domains, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. While synonyms like "is highly likely" and "is quite likely" offer similar meanings, it's crucial to avoid overstating probability when evidence is limited. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate register, writers can effectively use "is very probable" to convey informed judgments and persuade their audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is highly likely

Emphasizes a high degree of likelihood, similar to "is very probable".

is quite likely

Indicates a considerable chance of occurrence, closely resembling "is very probable".

is exceedingly probable

Amplifies the probability with "exceedingly", suggesting a strong likelihood.

is almost certain

Suggests a very high degree of confidence in the event's occurrence, nearing certainty.

is reasonably expected

Implies that the event is anticipated based on current conditions or trends.

is anticipated to happen

Suggests a future occurrence that is expected based on current understanding.

is apt to occur

Indicates a natural tendency or predisposition for the event to happen.

is substantially possible

Highlights the significant possibility of the event, without guaranteeing it.

is within the realm of possibility

Indicates that the event is conceivable, though not necessarily likely.

is in the cards

Suggests that the event is predetermined or destined to happen, often used informally.

FAQs

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

You can use "is very probable" to express a high degree of likelihood without stating something as a certainty. For example, "Given the increasing demand, it is very probable that prices will rise".

What are some alternatives to "is very probable"?

Alternatives include "is highly likely", "is quite likely", or "is almost certain", depending on the level of certainty you wish to convey.

Which is more accurate, "is very probable" or "is highly probable"?

Both "is very probable" and "is highly probable" are accurate and convey a similar meaning. The choice often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.

When should I use "is possible" instead of "is very probable"?

Use "is possible" when there's a chance something could happen, but it's not necessarily likely. Use "is very probable" when there's a strong reason to believe something will happen.