it is very unlikely

USAGE SUMMARY

'it is very unlikely' is a perfectly valid phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to express that something has a low probability of happening. For example: "It is very unlikely that we will see snow in August."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it is very unlikely.

The New Yorker

However, it is very unlikely to happen.

The Guardian

It means it is very unlikely to kill you.

Harvard University

"I now believe that it is very unlikely".

The New York Times

But it is very unlikely he did so alone.

The Guardian

Moreover, it is very unlikely that a student will forget one of these exercises.

University of California, Berkeley

First, it is very unlikely, if not impossible, that a program will permanently damage the calculator.

University of California, Berkeley

Actually, it is very unlikely that roosting birds will fall from their perch.

Cornell University

It is very unlikely that that sentence would have appeared in The Times without further explanation.

The New York Times

"I doubt this will work, and it is very unlikely to produce much accountability," he said.

The New York Times

It is very unlikely that we will ever learn where he was held.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When conveying uncertainty, use "it is very unlikely" to express a strong sense of improbability without completely dismissing the possibility. This allows for a nuanced approach in situations where some uncertainty remains.

Common error

Avoid using "it is very unlikely" when the event is impossible. Use stronger terms like "impossible" or "certainly not" to convey absolute certainty and prevent misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is very unlikely" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. As confirmed by Ludwig, it serves to express a strong degree of improbability or low probability. Examples across various sources demonstrate its use in predicting outcomes or assessing possibilities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

35%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is very unlikely" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to express a strong sense of improbability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it can be used across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. While it maintains a neutral register, alternatives like "highly improbable" can lend a more formal tone. Be cautious not to use this phrase when an event is truly impossible; instead, opt for definitive terms. Considering these points helps ensure the accurate and effective use of "it is very unlikely" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is improbable

A more concise and slightly more formal version using 'improbable'.

it's not very probable

Replaces "unlikely" with "not very probable", offering a slight variance in wording.

it's highly improbable

Changes 'unlikely' to 'improbable' and uses a contraction, making it slightly less formal.

it is hardly likely

Uses 'hardly' to soften the assertion, but retains a similar meaning.

it is highly doubtful

Replaces 'unlikely' with 'doubtful', shifting the focus to a lack of certainty.

chances are slim

Offers a less formal way to express low probability using 'slim'.

there's little chance of that

Changes the structure to emphasize the small amount of opportunity.

the odds are against it

Uses a metaphorical expression focusing on the chances of something happening.

it is a long shot

Employs an idiom indicating a low probability of success.

it is questionable

Indicates doubt about the likelihood of something, rather than direct improbability.

FAQs

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

Use "it is very unlikely" to express that something has a low probability of happening. For example, "It is very unlikely that the project will be completed on time given the current delays".

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

Alternatives include phrases like "it is highly improbable", "it is highly doubtful", or "chances are slim depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "it is very unlikely" a formal or informal expression?

"It is very unlikely" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, for more formal situations, consider using alternatives such as "it is highly improbable".

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

"It is unlikely" suggests a general improbability, while "it is very unlikely" indicates a stronger degree of improbability. The addition of "very" emphasizes that the event is significantly less probable.