it is highly unlikely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is highly unlikely" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when expressing that a situation has a very small chance of happening. For example, "It is highly unlikely that I will win the lottery this week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The petitioners acknowledge that it is highly unlikely that WWOR will lose its license.

The New York Times

It is highly unlikely.

The Guardian - Sport

But it is highly unlikely to happen.

The Economist

It is highly unlikely, though.

The New York Times - Sports

It is highly unlikely they have changed.

The Guardian

"We think it is highly unlikely that he has Ebola.

The Guardian

It is highly unlikely that this bothered him.

The Guardian - Sport

First, it is highly unlikely that anyone will win.

The New York Times - Tech

It is highly unlikely the Yankees will sign both players.

The New York Times - Sports

"It is highly unlikely it will come in anyway.

The Guardian - Tech

It is highly unlikely that Green's yacht will be seized.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is highly unlikely" to express a strong degree of doubt or low probability, particularly when presenting an informed opinion or assessment based on available evidence.

Common error

Avoid using "it is highly unlikely" when you mean something is impossible. While it implies a low probability, it doesn't eliminate the possibility entirely. If you intend to convey impossibility, use phrases like "it is impossible" or "there is no chance".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is highly unlikely" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying an implied verb, typically expressing a subjective assessment of probability. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. The phrase serves to qualify a statement by indicating a strong degree of improbability or doubt.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is highly unlikely" is a versatile phrase used to express a strong degree of doubt or low probability. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. It's common across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Academia and Science, signalling a neutral to professional tone. While the phrase conveys a low probability, remember that it doesn't equate to impossibility, and you should use stronger terms if you intend to express that something is fully impossible. Related alternatives include "it is highly improbable" and "chances are slim". Overall, this phrase offers a nuanced way to temper expectations and present realistic assessments in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is highly improbable

Emphasizes the low probability of something happening, similar to the original phrase but with a different word choice.

it is almost certainly not

Expresses near certainty that something will not happen.

it is extremely doubtful

Increases the degree of doubt, suggesting a significant lack of confidence in the possibility.

there's little to no chance

Stresses the absence or near-absence of any possibility of something happening.

it is very doubtful

Focuses on the uncertainty and skepticism surrounding an event's occurrence.

it is scarcely possible

Highlights the minimal chance of an event, implying it is almost impossible.

chances are slim

Indicates a low probability of success or occurrence, using a more concise expression.

the odds are stacked against it

Uses a metaphorical expression to convey that the circumstances make success unlikely.

it's a long shot

Suggests that something is unlikely to succeed but still worth trying.

it is out of the question

Implies that something is not worth considering because it is impossible or unacceptable.

FAQs

How can I use "it is highly unlikely" in a sentence?

You can use "it is highly unlikely" to express a strong doubt about something happening. For example, "It is highly unlikely that the meeting will start on time."

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

"It is highly unlikely" expresses a stronger degree of doubt than "it is unlikely". The addition of "highly" intensifies the improbability.

Are there any synonyms for "it is highly unlikely"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "it is highly improbable", "it is very doubtful", or "chances are slim" to convey a similar meaning.

When should I use "it is highly unlikely" in formal writing?

Use "it is highly unlikely" in formal writing when you want to express a professional judgment or reasoned opinion about the improbability of an event. Ensure that your assessment is based on credible evidence and analysis.