it is improbable

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And it is improbable.

The New York Times

It is improbable.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is improbable that the secessionist appetite has been quashed.

Independent

"We just believe it is improbable," he said.

The New York Times

The idea is as exhilarating as it is improbable.

The New York Times - Arts

It is improbable that granting the injunction will cause substantial harm to defendant.

Harvard University

It is improbable that the I.I.T.'s will ever regain their old glory.

The New York Times

A Middle Eastern arms race is a frightening thought, but it is improbable.

The New York Times

However, it is improbable that abelisaurids had projections higher than the frontal horns.

Nature

It is improbable that a big Chinese bank would be allowed to go under if a similar situation arose again.

The Economist

Had it been picked a month ago it is improbable that the same 17 names would have been picked.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is improbable" when you want to express a moderate degree of doubt or disbelief, stronger than "it is unlikely" but less definitive than "it is impossible".

Common error

Avoid using "it is improbable" when the situation is clearly impossible or certain. Instead, opt for stronger or more appropriate phrasing to reflect the true likelihood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is improbable" functions as an evaluative expression, conveying a judgment about the likelihood of a particular event or situation. It serves to introduce a statement that questions or challenges the plausibility of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is improbable" serves as an evaluative expression to introduce doubt about an event or situation. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and is widely used, particularly in science, news, and encyclopedic contexts. While it carries a formal tone, it is important to consider context and intent to be precise, and ensure that the level of improbability is correctly represented, avoiding overstatements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is unlikely

Expresses a lower degree of certainty than "it is improbable".

it is doubtful

Suggests uncertainty or skepticism about something.

it is questionable

Raises doubts about the validity or truth of something.

it is dubious

Implies suspicion or distrust regarding something.

it is inconceivable

Highlights the difficulty in imagining or believing something.

it is implausible

Indicates a lack of believability.

it is far-fetched

Suggests something is exaggerated or unrealistic.

it is remote

Implies a distant possibility.

it is unrealistic

Indicates something is not practical or achievable.

it is a long shot

Suggests a low probability of success.

FAQs

How can I use "it is improbable" in a sentence?

You can use "it is improbable" to express doubt or skepticism about a future event or current situation. For example, "Given the lack of funding, "it is improbable" that the project will be completed on time."

What are some alternatives to saying "it is improbable"?

You can use alternatives like "it is unlikely", "it is doubtful", or "it is questionable" depending on the context and the degree of certainty you want to convey.

Is "it is improbable" the same as "it is impossible"?

No, ""it is improbable"" suggests a low likelihood, while "it is impossible" indicates that something cannot happen under any circumstances. The first conveys doubt, and the second conveys certainty of not happening.

When is it more appropriate to say "it is unlikely" instead of "it is improbable"?

While both express doubt, "it is unlikely" is a more general and less formal way to express that something probably won't happen. ""it is improbable"" carries a slightly stronger sense of disbelief and is often used in more formal contexts.