it becomes unlikely that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it becomes unlikely that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a situation or outcome that is becoming less probable over time or due to certain conditions. Example: "As the evidence continues to mount against the theory, it becomes unlikely that the original hypothesis will hold true."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

With increasing group size, it becomes unlikely that a particular group member has the opportunity to interact with any given other member of the group28.

Nature

This developmental theory suggests that people adjust their family size intentions if it becomes unlikely that the 'proper' conditions for realizing these intentions will be met.

European Journal of Population

In this way, it becomes unlikely that a systematic error acts only on the drug effect, but not on that of food.

BioMed Research International

If the tumour encompasses more than 270 degrees of the circumference of the carotid artery on axial images it becomes unlikely that it can be removed without resecting the vessel.

Cancer Imaging

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

If Enron successfully sheds the subsidiaries at favorable prices, it becomes highly unlikely that any businesses will remain that could one day form the core of a smaller, more modest successor.

The New York Times

There was never going to be a great outcome for Indigenous affairs in this election but in a hung parliament scenario, which seems likely at the moment, it becomes increasing unlikely that we will see the necessary reforms to support important and essential changes towards self determination, accountability, and the return of funding to frontline services and advocacy bodies.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Once a brand is affiliated with the adult industry, it becomes very unlikely that mainstream companies, no matter how good the deal is, will be willing to utilize its services," he says.

Forbes

By demanding an excess of hydrophilic, small and flexible residues in the region -18...+23 with the physical property terms, it becomes quite unlikely that a sequence region hit by our predictor is actually part of a 3D structure but rather represents an intrinsically disordered segment.

Biology Direct

With the new districts in place, it became highly unlikely that candidates preferred by minority voters would hold any of the state's new congressional seats.

Huffington Post

Though it became increasingly unlikely that he would return to major league action, his status continued to confound, as he publicly debated his own official retirement from professional baseball.

Wikipedia

However, at ranges of more than 2,000 yards it became increasingly unlikely that the heavy guns of a battleship would score any hits, as the heavy guns relied on primitive aiming techniques.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it becomes unlikely that" to describe a trend where the probability of an event is decreasing over time. This is particularly effective in discussing evolving situations or predictions.

Common error

Avoid using "it becomes unlikely that" when a situation has always been improbable. Instead, use phrases like "it is unlikely that" to describe a constant state of low probability, reserve the phrase for situations where the probability is actively decreasing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it becomes unlikely that" functions as a modal expression indicating a decreasing probability of a certain event or outcome. It's used to express a judgement about the likelihood of something happening based on current circumstances, as demonstrated by the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it becomes unlikely that" is a versatile expression used to describe situations where the probability of an event is decreasing. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. Its use spans across various contexts, from scientific discussions to news reports, indicating a gradual shift in possibilities. While alternatives like "it is improbable that" or "chances are slim that" offer similar meanings, "it becomes unlikely that" specifically highlights the dynamic nature of diminishing likelihood. Remember to use this phrase when you want to emphasize a trend rather than a static state of improbability, as provided by Ludwig's examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it seems improbable that

Adds a layer of perception, indicating that the improbability is based on observation or evidence.

it is improbable that

Replaces "becomes unlikely" with a more direct statement of improbability, emphasizing a static assessment rather than a process.

chances are slim that

Highlights the minimal probability of an event occurring.

it is doubtful that

Suggests a stronger sense of uncertainty, focusing on questioning the likelihood of something occurring.

the possibility diminishes that

Directly states that the likelihood of something is decreasing.

it is questionable whether

Shifts the focus to questioning the conditions or circumstances that would lead to a particular outcome.

there's little prospect of

Indicates a lack of promising outlook or expectation.

the odds are against

Uses a metaphorical expression to highlight unfavorable probabilities or chances.

it's a long shot that

Describes the situation as a low-probability event, a gamble.

it is fading as a possibility that

Emphasizes the gradual disappearance of a potential outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "it becomes unlikely that" in a sentence?

Use "it becomes unlikely that" to describe a situation where the probability of an event is decreasing over time due to certain factors. For example, "As the deadline approaches, "it becomes unlikely that" the project will be completed on time".

What are some alternatives to "it becomes unlikely that"?

You can use alternatives such as "it is improbable that", "it is doubtful that", or "chances are slim that", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "it becomes unlikely that" formal or informal?

"It becomes unlikely that" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in more formal settings, alternatives like "it is improbable that" might be preferred.

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

"It is unlikely that" describes a current state of low probability, while "it becomes unlikely that" describes a trend where the probability is decreasing over time. For example, "It is unlikely that it will rain today" suggests a general low chance of rain, whereas ""it becomes unlikely that" it will rain today as the sun comes out" indicates the probability of rain is diminishing.