it is unlikely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is unlikely" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to suggest that something is not likely to happen. For example, "It is unlikely that I will win the lottery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

It is unlikely.

The Economist

But it is unlikely.

The Economist

"It is unlikely that L.T.E.

The New York Times - Tech

It is unlikely to do so.

The Economist

It is unlikely to be enough.

The Economist

It is unlikely to be surpassed.

The Economist

It is unlikely to save their lives.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

"But it's unlikely".

The New York Times - Health

It's unlikely.

Forbes

"It's unlikely," he says.

Independent

It's unlikely anytime soon.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is unlikely" to express a moderate degree of doubt or disbelief about a future event or current situation. This phrase acknowledges a possibility, however slim.

Common error

Avoid using "it is unlikely" when you mean something is impossible. "It is unlikely" suggests a small chance remains, while 'impossible' indicates no chance at all.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is unlikely" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. It expresses a probability assessment, indicating that something is improbable but not impossible. According to Ludwig, the phrase follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is unlikely" is a commonly used phrase to express a moderate degree of doubt or disbelief. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, it serves to provide a cautious assessment of potential outcomes. While synonyms exist, such as "it is improbable" or "it is doubtful", understanding the subtle differences in meaning and implication is crucial for precise communication. Remember to avoid overstating the improbability and use the phrase appropriately to convey a realistic perspective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is improbable

Emphasizes a lower probability, similar to 'unlikely' but with a slightly more formal tone.

it is doubtful

Suggests uncertainty and skepticism, implying that the outcome is questionable.

it is questionable

Indicates that the certainty or validity of something is being challenged or doubted.

it is dubious

Conveys uncertainty and potential untrustworthiness, suggesting a strong reason to doubt.

it is not expected

Focuses on the lack of anticipation for a particular event or outcome.

it is far from certain

Highlights the absence of assurance or guarantee, emphasizing the uncertainty.

the odds are against it

Uses a metaphorical expression to convey that the chances of success are low.

chances are slim

Implies a low probability, suggesting that the possibility is minimal.

it is a long shot

Indicates a low probability of success, suggesting that the outcome is remote.

it is against all odds

Emphasizes that the probability is extremely low and success would be surprising.

FAQs

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

Use "it is unlikely" to express doubt about a future event. For example, "It is unlikely that the meeting will start on time."

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

You can use alternatives like "it is improbable", "it is doubtful", or "it is questionable" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "it is unlikely" or "it's unlikely"?

"It is unlikely" and "it's unlikely" are both correct. "It's unlikely" is simply a contraction of "it is unlikely" and is more informal.

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

"It is unlikely" suggests a low probability but still possible, whereas "it is impossible" means there is no chance of it happening.