it looks probable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it looks probable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a likelihood or expectation about a situation or outcome. Example: "Based on the current evidence, it looks probable that we will achieve our goals this quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

It looks probable that inflation will move above earnings growth during 2017.

The Guardian - Business

"As it looks probable that the base rate won't increase for at least a year, I think that at 90%and9595% LTV, these deals offer better value than fixed rates," he says.

The Guardian - Money

He claimed that England was too far from his Buenos Aires roots, but it looks probable that when City sells him his destination will be in Milan, with Inter.

The New York Times - Sports

It looks probable that his liberal inclinations, which he made much of to selected audiences before his election, will be restricted to economic reforms rather than to guiding his broader political aspirations.

The Guardian

And now Dick Cheney has admitted that he did authorise the use of torture it looks probable that you'll have to pardon him – otherwise he'll be up on a charge of war crimes once you leave office.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is still February but a solitary league title in eight seasons does not just look possible, it looks probable after Antoine Griezmann's second-half goal gave Atlético a victory here that leaves Real four points behind their city rivals and, more importantly, nine points plus a +4 head-to-head goal difference behind Barcelona, who play Sevilla on Sunday night.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

It looked probable that she would lose one eye and possible that the cancer could invade her brain.

The Guardian

Three-and-a-half years is a hell of a wait for a goal, but the way the home team set about the Dons in the minutes after Paterson scored it looked probable that a second was going to arrive in quick order.

BBC

It looked probable he would soon start a game.

Wikipedia

The developments have led the Daily Telegraph's Toby Young to speculate, "It now looks probable that he'll receive an invitation from John Whittingdale MP to appear before the Culture, Media and Sport select committee".

Huffington Post

A second round of voting now looks probable; it could help calm the country, or it could make things worse.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it looks probable" when you want to express a reasonable expectation based on current evidence or trends. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, offering a balanced tone between certainty and possibility.

Common error

Avoid using "it looks probable" when the outcome is highly uncertain or speculative. Instead, opt for phrases like "it might happen" or "it's possible" to reflect the actual level of confidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it looks probable" functions as an evaluative expression. It serves to qualify a statement by indicating that, based on available information, a particular outcome is reasonably likely but not guaranteed. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it looks probable" is a useful phrase for expressing a reasonable expectation or likelihood, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, science, and sports reporting. Alternatives such as "it seems likely" or "it appears probable" can be used for stylistic variation. When using this phrase, ensure that the level of certainty aligns with the available evidence to avoid overstating the likelihood of an outcome. While relatively uncommon, the phrase is widely understood and accepted, making it a valuable addition to your writing and speaking repertoire.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it seems likely

Replaces "looks" with "seems" and "probable" with "likely", maintaining the overall meaning of a high possibility.

it appears likely

Substitutes "looks" with "appears", offering a slightly more formal tone while conveying a similar level of probability.

it is likely

Simplifies the phrase by removing "looks", focusing directly on the likelihood of an event.

it is probable

Directly states the probability, omitting "looks" for a more concise expression.

chances are high

Uses a more colloquial expression to indicate a strong possibility.

it is expected

Focuses on expectation rather than probability, suggesting a forecast or anticipation.

the odds are good

Employs a betting metaphor to convey a favorable probability.

it is anticipated

Similar to "it is expected", but with a slightly more formal tone.

one can expect

Shifts the focus to what can be expected, rather than stating a direct probability.

it's reasonable to assume

Suggests that an assumption is justifiable based on the available information.

FAQs

What does "it looks probable" mean?

The phrase "it looks probable" means that based on the current evidence or situation, something is likely to happen or be true. It suggests a reasonable expectation without absolute certainty.

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

You can use "it looks probable" to express an expectation about a future event. For example: "Given the current trends, "it looks probable" that the company will exceed its sales targets this year."

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

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

Is there a difference between "it looks probable" and "it is possible"?

"It looks probable" suggests a higher degree of likelihood than "it is possible". "It is possible" simply means something could happen, while "it looks probable" indicates a reasonable expectation based on current conditions.