it appears unlikely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it appears unlikely" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing doubt or skepticism about a particular situation or outcome. Example: "Given the current circumstances, it appears unlikely that we will meet the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It appears unlikely.

The Guardian - Sport

It appears unlikely Poyet will return.

The Guardian - Sport

It appears unlikely the conflict will fade soon.

The New York Times

It appears unlikely that the pressure on Salesforce will dissipate.

The Guardian

It appears unlikely that investor confidence will jump anytime soon.

The New York Times

But it appears unlikely that there will be numerous evacuations.

The New York Times

It appears unlikely that the O2− species are the active sites for the activation of methane.

Catalysis Today

It appears unlikely that India will achieve the malnutrition development goal by 2015.

Harvard University

It appears unlikely that the Republicans will approve a nominee to the post who supports sampling.

The New York Times

It appears unlikely, though, that his time in power will be trouble-free.

The Guardian

However, it appears unlikely that the government's focus on accountability will wane.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it appears unlikely" when you want to express a cautious or tentative opinion about the future, based on available evidence. It's less assertive than saying something 'won't happen'.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "it appears unlikely" can sometimes sound weak in very formal or academic writing. Consider using stronger, more direct language to convey your assessment if the situation warrants it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it appears unlikely" primarily functions as an epistemic expression, conveying a degree of uncertainty or low probability. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is grammatically sound and frequently employed. Examples in Ludwig show its use in forecasting outcomes or assessing current situations with caution.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

34%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Unknown/unmatched sources

16%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it appears unlikely" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for conveying doubt or low probability. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science, it serves to soften negative predictions and introduce a cautious tone. When writing, consider stronger alternatives for very formal contexts. Ludwig's analysis provides a complete understanding of its appropriate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it seems improbable

Replaces "appears" with "seems" and "unlikely" with "improbable", maintaining a similar level of formality and meaning.

it is doubtful

Uses a more direct construction, replacing the longer phrase with a simpler expression of doubt.

it is improbable

Similar to "it seems improbable", but slightly more formal and emphatic.

it is questionable

Focuses on the uncertainty or dubiousness of a situation or outcome.

it is not likely

A more straightforward and less nuanced way of expressing the same idea.

the odds are against it

Introduces a more figurative and informal expression of low probability.

chances are slim

Emphasizes the small possibility of something happening.

it's a long shot

Highlights the low probability of success, often in a more informal context.

it is a remote possibility

Indicates that something is possible, but very unlikely.

don't bet on it

An idiomatic and informal way of expressing strong doubt.

FAQs

How can I use "it appears unlikely" in a sentence?

Use "it appears unlikely" to express a degree of doubt or low probability regarding a future event or current situation. For example: "It appears unlikely that the negotiations will succeed."

What are some alternatives to "it appears unlikely"?

You can use alternatives like "it seems improbable", "it is doubtful", or "it is questionable" depending on the context.

Is "it appears unlikely" formal or informal?

"It appears unlikely" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It is suitable for most writing contexts, but very informal situations might benefit from more casual alternatives.

What's the difference between "it appears unlikely" and "it is unlikely"?

"It appears unlikely" suggests a judgment based on observation or available information, while "it is unlikely" is a more direct statement of low probability. The former conveys a slightly more tentative tone.