it is highly improbable that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is highly improbable that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing doubt or skepticism about the likelihood of a particular event or situation occurring. Example: "Given the current circumstances, it is highly improbable that we will meet our deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

It is highly improbable that, as a home gardener, you will over-prune your apple tree.

WikiHow

Thus, it is highly improbable that any set of models will contain the 'true' system structure.

Applied Mathematical Modelling

"It is highly improbable that a fully fledged click system could arise from nonclick precursors," Dr. Traill said.

The New York Times - Science

Moreover, it is highly improbable that the loaded guns belonged to Jane Doe or that she was solely responsible for their being in her purse.

Cornell University

In view of this self-evident fact, it is highly improbable that the defendant gave libelants rotten and unserviceable nets with which to fish.

Harvard University

The rest of us, in the absence of any evidence to the contrary, know that it is highly improbable that there is anyone up there at all.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

22): As an unapologetic fan of "Friends" for its entire 10 years, I would suggest it's highly improbable that Chandler and Monica would behave as the man from Hastings-on-Hudson seems to think they would.

The New York Times

But it's highly improbable that any team in today's game can consistently win with a mediocre offense.

The New York Times - Sports

"It is scary". The Mayor's budget director, Marc V. Shaw, said through a spokeswoman that it was highly improbable that such severe cuts would become reality.

The New York Times

Neil B. Sweig, a pharmaceutical industry analyst at Ryan, Beck & Company, said it was "highly improbable" that the agency would force a switch.

The New York Times

Since the human carcasses were handled the same as those of animals in every other way, she said, it was highly improbable that they were not then eaten as the animals were.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is highly improbable that", ensure the context clearly indicates the basis for your assessment of improbability. Providing supporting evidence or reasoning strengthens the credibility of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "it is highly improbable that" when a situation is simply uncertain, not necessarily unlikely. Reserve this phrase for scenarios where strong evidence suggests a low probability of occurrence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is highly improbable that" functions as a modal expression, specifically used to convey a strong degree of uncertainty or disbelief regarding a particular event or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it expresses doubt effectively.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

35%

Academia

19%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is highly improbable that" serves as a potent tool for expressing doubt or disbelief, commonly utilized in academic, scientific, and news contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, making it a reliable choice for formal and neutral communication. While alternatives like "it's very unlikely that" exist, understanding the specific context and desired level of formality is crucial for selecting the most appropriate expression. Remember to provide context and avoid overstating improbability to maintain clarity and credibility in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's very unlikely that

Changes 'highly improbable' to 'very unlikely', softening the degree of doubt slightly.

it is exceedingly unlikely that

Replaces 'highly improbable' with 'exceedingly unlikely', strengthening the sense of improbability.

it is doubtful that

Substitutes 'highly improbable' for 'doubtful', presenting a more direct expression of uncertainty.

it is questionable whether

Replaces the direct statement of improbability with a question of whether something is likely.

it is far-fetched that

Changes the phrase to suggest the idea is implausible or unrealistic.

it is a long shot that

Replaces the phrase with an idiomatic expression indicating low probability of success.

the odds are against

Uses a more figurative expression to convey that something is not likely to happen.

it's a stretch to say that

Rephrases to suggest that the claim requires a considerable leap in logic or evidence.

it is a remote possibility that

Weakens the statement to suggest something is only remotely possible, implying low probability.

chances are slim that

An idiomatic phrase emphasizing the unlikelihood of an event.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it is highly improbable that"?

You can use alternatives like "it's very unlikely that", "it is doubtful that", or "chances are slim that" depending on the context.

Is there a more formal way to say "it is highly improbable that"?

Yes, "it is exceedingly unlikely that" or "it is questionable whether" offer a more formal tone while conveying a similar meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "it is highly improbable that"?

Use "it is highly improbable that" when you want to express a strong belief that something is not likely to happen, based on available information or evidence.

What's the difference between "it is highly improbable that" and "it is impossible that"?

"It is highly improbable that" suggests a low probability, while "it is impossible that" indicates that something cannot occur under any circumstances. The former allows for a small chance, the latter does not.