it's highly probable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it's highly probable" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is often used to express a strong likelihood or possibility of something happening. Example: "Based on the weather forecast, it's highly probable that it will rain tomorrow." In this example, the speaker is expressing a strong belief that it will rain tomorrow, based on the information they have. They are using the phrase "it's highly probable" to convey that there is a high likelihood or possibility of it happening.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

If you're self-conscious, it's highly probable that someone's comment, dirty look or know-it-all tirade has gotten under your skin, festered and turned into something much bigger than was ever intended, haunting you endlessly.

WikiHow

And after British Gas's announcement of an 18% hike in its gas tariffs, having posted record profits of £742m last year, it's highly probable that a similar proportion would favour taking the once state-owned company back into public ownership.

The Guardian - Opinion

"When people are eighty, it's highly probable that they'll die at any minute," he replied.

The New Yorker

Both parties can't possibly be right, but given their records, it's highly probable that both are wrong.

The New York Times

When people are almost ninety years old, it's highly probable that they'll die at any moment, but Nicanor was still going strong.

The New Yorker

When people are more than a hundred years old, it's highly probable that they'll die at any moment, but, as several friends have said, we were used to Nicanor's presumed immortality.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

But due to the severity of its wounds, it is highly probable that the infant died.

American Journal of Primatology

You are not in your parent's shoes and it is highly probable that you are not aware of the entire story.

WikiHow

Defusing a potential row, she pre-empted the journalist's revelations by announcing it was "highly probable" she had taken drugs in her youth.

The Guardian

But it is highly probable that the Constitution's Framers would have expected Congress to do so only with respect to agreements of limited importance.

Huffington Post

Thus, it is highly probable that grease or its components played a certain role in foam formation and stabilization.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it's highly probable" when you want to express a strong belief that something will happen or is true, but without stating it as a certainty. This allows for a degree of uncertainty while still conveying a high level of confidence.

Common error

Avoid using "it's highly probable" when you have definitive proof or evidence. In such cases, a more assertive statement would be more appropriate and credible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it's highly probable" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. According to Ludwig AI, it expresses a strong likelihood or possibility. It introduces a statement that is likely to be true or to occur, based on available evidence or reasoning. This is shown in the Ludwig examples where the phrase preceeds explanations of future events or current conditions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

23%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it's highly probable" is a commonly used phrase to express a strong likelihood or possibility. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It is particularly frequent in news and media and science contexts, where expressing informed opinions without stating absolute certainty is valued. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to avoid using the phrase when definitive proof exists. Alternatives like "it is very likely" or "it's quite possible" can be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is very likely

Emphasizes the likelihood, using 'very' for intensification instead of 'highly'.

it is almost certain

Indicates a near certainty, stronger than 'highly probable'.

it's quite possible

Suggests a considerable possibility, using 'quite' as a qualifier.

chances are high

Uses a more informal expression to convey a strong possibility.

it's reasonable to assume

Frames the statement as a logical assumption based on available information.

the odds are in favor of

Expresses that the circumstances suggest a positive outcome is likely.

it is to be expected

Suggests the event is predictable based on current conditions.

one can anticipate

Replaces 'probable' with 'anticipate', indicating expectation.

it seems destined

Implies a sense of inevitability, suggesting a predetermined outcome.

it's a good bet

Uses a colloquial expression to indicate a high degree of confidence in an outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "it's highly probable" in a sentence?

Use "it's highly probable" to express a strong likelihood or possibility. For example, "Given the current market trends, "it's highly probable" that the stock prices will increase."

What alternatives are available to "it's highly probable"?

You can use alternatives like "it is very likely", "it's quite possible", or "chances are high" depending on the context.

When is it best to use "it's highly probable" instead of "it's probable"?

"It's highly probable" suggests a stronger degree of likelihood compared to "it's probable". Use "it's highly probable" when you want to emphasize a greater level of confidence in the outcome.

Is "it's highly probable" considered formal or informal?

"It's highly probable" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, you might consider alternatives like "it is very likely" or "it is almost certain" to maintain a more sophisticated tone.