it probably is

USAGE SUMMARY

"it probably is" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to express uncertainty or likelihood about something. An example of how it could be used in a sentence is: "I'm not entirely sure, but it probably is the best option for us to take."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Is that OK? Yes, it probably is.

The Guardian

And it probably is.

The New York Times

It probably is not.

The Economist

It probably is.

The New York Times

It probably is, so far.

The Economist

It probably is impossible.

The Guardian - Sport

It probably is the NSA.

University of California, Berkeley

"It probably is pretty significantly net positive".

The New York Times

On the research side, it probably is.

The Economist

It probably is a masterpiece".

The Guardian

"It probably is posh bingo.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it probably is" when you want to express a degree of uncertainty or likelihood, but avoid overusing it in formal writing where more precise language may be preferred.

Common error

Avoid using "it probably is" when you possess concrete evidence or strong certainty. In such cases, opt for more definitive statements to maintain credibility and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it probably is" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. According to Ludwig AI, it expresses a degree of certainty or likelihood. The word "probably" softens the assertion, making it less definitive.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

19%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it probably is" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express likelihood or uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and offers numerous examples from reputable sources. While versatile, its formality is generally neutral, making it suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. For situations requiring more definitiveness or a heightened degree of formality, alternatives such as "it is likely" or "it seems probable" may be more appropriate. Remember to avoid overusing this phrase when strong evidence supports a more assertive statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is likely

Replaces "probably" with "likely", indicating a similar degree of possibility.

it is probable

Uses "probable" instead of "probably", conveying a slightly more formal tone.

it seems likely

Uses "seems likely" to suggest likelihood based on observation or evidence.

it is possibly so

Adds "so" for emphasis, suggesting a potential truth to the statement.

it is quite possible

Emphasizes the possibility with "quite possible", indicating a significant chance.

it could be

Employs "could be" to express possibility, differing slightly in connotation.

it may be

Substitutes "probably" with "may", indicating a possibility but without strong conviction.

it would appear so

Offers a more formal way of expressing a similar sentiment, indicating something appears to be the case.

chances are it is

Rephrases the sentiment to focus on the odds or likelihood of something being true.

i suspect it is

Shifts the perspective to a personal suspicion, implying less certainty.

FAQs

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

Use "it probably is" to express a degree of uncertainty or likelihood. For example: "Given the circumstances, "it probably is" the best course of action."

What are some alternatives to "it probably is"?

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

Is "it probably is" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, ""it probably is"" might be too informal for some formal contexts. Consider using more precise or definitive language if greater certainty is warranted.

What's the difference between "it probably is" and "it definitely is"?

"It probably is" indicates uncertainty or likelihood, whereas "it definitely is" expresses strong conviction or certainty. The choice depends on the level of confidence you wish to convey.