it is probable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is probable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are making an educated guess about something or when expressing that something is likely. For example, "Given the evidence we have, it is probable that the suspect committed the crime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is probable that by then his mind was disordered.

Britannica

It is probable that neither has made up his mind.

The New Yorker

It is probable that this initial misstep will be repeated.

The New York Times

It is probable that countries will follow the German prescription.

The New York Times

It is probable that the 1C threshold will be crossed.

Independent

It is probable that that character has been considerably misrepresented.

The Economist

Hence it is probable that the reasons are political.

The New York Times

It is probable that there was no objection to this feature of the decree.

Cornell University

It is probable that Um Samir was married after 1948 in Lebanon.

Columbia University

It is probable that the Aldine family printed 1,000 editions between 1495 and 1595.

Britannica

It is probable that the actors adapted the cosmetics of fashionable women to their own use.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is probable", ensure the context provides a clear basis for the probability. Specify the evidence or reasoning behind the assessment to strengthen your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "it is probable" when the situation is merely possible or purely speculative. Reserve it for situations where there is tangible evidence or strong reasoning to support the likelihood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is probable" functions as an epistemic modal, expressing a degree of certainty or likelihood about a particular statement or event. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

25%

News & Media

40%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is probable" is a versatile phrase for expressing a degree of likelihood or expectation. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. It strikes a balance between possibility and certainty, making it suitable for situations where a measured assessment is needed. When writing with "it is probable", ensure that the context provides a clear basis for the probability to lend credibility to your statement. While synonyms like "it is likely" and "it seems likely" are available, "it is probable" offers a slightly more formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is likely

This alternative is a more direct and frequently used synonym.

it seems likely

This conveys a degree of probability based on available evidence or appearances.

it is quite possible

Adds emphasis to the possibility, making it somewhat more affirmative.

it is expected

This suggests a slightly stronger degree of confidence based on prior indications.

it is plausible

This indicates that something is believable and aligns with available information.

it is anticipated

This alternative implies foreknowledge or planning that suggests a certain outcome.

it is reasonable to assume

This alternative highlights the logic behind the assumption.

chances are

This is a more informal way to express probability.

the odds are

This phrase uses the metaphor of betting to convey probability.

it is conceivable

This indicates something is possible, though perhaps not particularly likely.

FAQs

How to use "it is probable" in a sentence?

Use "it is probable" to express a strong likelihood or expectation about a future event or current condition. For instance, "It is probable that the meeting will be postponed due to the weather."

What can I say instead of "it is probable"?

You can use alternatives like "it is likely", "it is expected", or "it seems likely" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "it is probable" or "it is possible"?

"It is probable" indicates a higher degree of likelihood than "it is possible". "It is possible" simply means something can happen, while "it is probable" suggests it's more likely than not.

What's the difference between "it is probable" and "it is certain"?

"It is certain" indicates absolute confidence that something will occur or is true, whereas "it is probable" suggests a strong likelihood but not a guarantee. Certainty implies no doubt, while probability acknowledges a degree of uncertainty.