it is improbable that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is improbable that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express 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

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is improbable that the secessionist appetite has been quashed.

Independent

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

The New York Times

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

Such are the risks for China, it is improbable that Chinese forces would engage an approaching US aircraft in peacetime.

The Guardian

It is improbable that any other family had ever had quite such power in the Oxbridge system.

The Guardian - Books

It is improbable that seawater has changed through time from a solution approximately in equilibrium with these reaction products—i.e., with clay minerals and carbonates.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Despite the industry's growing muscle, it is improbable that political opinion in Washington about the antipiracy bills could have been swayed by corporate lobbying alone.

The New York Times - Tech

It is improbable that opinion would have supported gold exports in the presence of severe penalties for the possession of gold by Americans.

The Economist

It is improbable that nobody in the Labour Party suspected anything was wrong in Glasgow until Mr Gould spilled the beans.

The Economist

Venus is extremely hot, dry, and in other ways so forbidding that it is improbable that life as it is understood on Earth could have developed there.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is improbable that" to introduce a statement that contradicts an assumption or expectation. This can create a sense of measured skepticism.

Common error

Avoid using "it is improbable that" when the situation is clearly impossible or certain. Opt for stronger terms to reflect the true degree of impossibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is improbable that" functions as a modal expression used to convey a degree of uncertainty or doubt about a proposition. It suggests that something is unlikely but not entirely impossible. Ludwig supports the usage of this expression across a spectrum of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is improbable that" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express doubt or skepticism, though not outright impossibility. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent usage, particularly in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts, suggesting a formal register. For alternative phrasing, consider "it is unlikely that" or "it is doubtful that", keeping in mind the subtle differences in nuance. Avoid overstating improbability when certainty is warranted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's unlikely that

This alternative is a more common and direct way to express a low probability.

it is doubtful that

This alternative emphasizes uncertainty and raises questions about the possibility.

it is questionable whether

This alternative highlights that there are reasons to doubt something.

it is hardly likely that

This alternative intensifies the improbability, suggesting a very slim chance.

the odds are against

This alternative is an idiomatic expression that conveys low probability.

chances are slim that

This alternative suggests that the likelihood is very low.

it's a long shot that

This alternative indicates that success is possible but very unlikely.

it is atypical for

This alternative implies that something is not usual or normal.

it is atypical that

This alternative suggests that something is not normal

it's a stretch to say

This alternative conveys that a statement might not be entirely accurate or believable.

FAQs

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

Use "it is improbable that" to express doubt about a particular outcome or situation. For example, "It is improbable that the company will meet its projected earnings this quarter."

What's a good substitute for "it is improbable that"?

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

Is "it is improbable that" formal or informal?

"It is improbable that" is generally considered a more formal expression. In informal contexts, phrases like "it's unlikely that" might be more appropriate.

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

"It is improbable that" suggests something is unlikely but still possible, whereas "it is impossible that" indicates something cannot happen under any circumstances. The former expresses a degree of doubt, while the latter asserts certainty of negation.