it is probable that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it is probable that' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the likelihood or expectation of something or the likelihood of something happening in the future. For example: It is probable that the economy will improve next year.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

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 by then his mind was disordered.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is probable that false eyewitness testimony has already led to execution of the innocent.

The New York Times

It is probable that he intended "The Global Soul" to be as dizzying as its subject.

The New York Times - Books

He said: "It is probable that eurozone GDP growth will soften in the second quarter.

The Guardian - Business

It is probable that the IWF incident was simply one successful aspect of those actions.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is probable that" to express a reasoned assessment of likelihood, particularly when you have some evidence or basis for your belief, but not enough for certainty.

Common error

Avoid using "it is probable that" when the outcome is already known or virtually certain. Opt for stronger expressions like "it is certain that" or "it is clear that" to reflect the appropriate level of confidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is probable that" functions as an epistemic modal. It introduces a proposition that is presented as likely but not certain. The Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, and the numerous examples illustrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is probable that" is a grammatically sound and versatile construction used to express a reasoned assessment of likelihood. As Ludwig AI confirms, its correct usage is supported by its presence in a wide range of authoritative sources including The New York Times and The Guardian. While suitable for various contexts, it is particularly prevalent in scientific and journalistic writing. When employing this phrase, remember to ensure that the level of certainty conveyed aligns with the available evidence. Alternatives such as "it is likely that" and "it is expected that" offer nuanced options for expressing similar degrees of probability. This modal expression's usage in contexts such as science, news and media, encyclopedias, and wiki suggests its wide acceptance and usability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

It is likely that

Changes 'probable' to 'likely', maintaining a similar degree of possibility but with a slightly more common term.

It is highly likely that

Adds emphasis to the likelihood, suggesting a stronger degree of probability.

It is expected that

Shifts the focus to expectation rather than pure probability, implying a reasonable basis for the belief.

It is anticipated that

Similar to 'expected', but often used in more formal or official contexts.

Chances are that

Offers a more informal and conversational way to express probability.

It is reasonable to assume that

Highlights the reasoning behind the probability, suggesting a logical basis for the assumption.

It seems likely that

Introduces an element of appearance or perception, indicating that the probability is based on available evidence.

One can expect that

Similar to 'it is expected that', but with a slightly more impersonal tone.

The odds are that

Uses a more colloquial expression to indicate probability, often implying a gamble or chance.

It is reasonable to expect that

Combines the elements of expectation and reasonableness, suggesting a well-founded anticipation.

FAQs

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

You can use "it is probable that" to introduce a statement that you believe is likely to be true, but cannot confirm with certainty. For example, "It is probable that the meeting will be delayed due to the weather conditions."

What are some alternatives to "it is probable that"?

Some alternatives include "it is likely that", "it is expected that", or "chances are that", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "it is probable that" instead of "it is possible that"?

"It is probable that" suggests a higher degree of likelihood than "it is possible that". Use "it is probable that" when you have some evidence or reason to believe something is more likely to occur.

Is "it is probable that" formal or informal?

"It is probable that" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal expression, suitable for academic, professional, and news contexts. More informal options include phrases like "chances are" or "likely".