it seemed improbable that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it seemed improbable that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing doubt or skepticism about a particular situation or outcome. Example: "Given the circumstances, it seemed improbable that they would win the match."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

It seemed improbable that agents would find written proof that Clinton intended to violate the law.

The New Yorker

It seemed improbable that Trump's campaign would succeed, so Schwartz told himself that he needn't worry much.

The New Yorker

It seemed improbable that England would reintroduce Jimmy Anderson, leading Test wicket-taker and leader of the attack, unless he could wholly satisfy them of his fitness.

Independent

Although the forces binding quarks were strong, it seemed improbable that they were powerful enough to withstand bombardment by high-energy particle beams from accelerators.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Given that, it seemed improbable that Manning would muster the sort of late-game drive he led eight times last season.

The New York Times - Sports

Yet it seemed improbable that the seeds inside my purebred delicata squash could grow up to become a mongrel field pumpkin, with warts and wattles.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Finally, although data on biomic specialization of species extinct during the late Quaternary megafaunal extinction event are not available, it seems improbable that its effect on the general pattern that we have shown here was significant enough to modify any of our conclusions, despite of the importance of this event on the assembly (or disassembly) of the modern South American mammalian fauna.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

It seems improbable that this was a pregnancy undertaken lightly.

The Guardian - Opinion

It seems improbable that it really wants to start another on this scale.

The Guardian - Opinion

But it seems improbable that the death penalty has much effect.

The Economist

Compared to the bats, it seems improbable that a firefly can fly.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it seemed improbable that" to introduce a statement that contrasts with a prior belief or expectation. This helps to create anticipation or surprise in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "it seemed improbable that" excessively in narrative writing, as it can create a detached tone. Instead, vary your sentence structure and use more descriptive language to convey the feeling of improbability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it seemed improbable that" functions as an introductory clause expressing doubt or disbelief regarding a subsequent statement. Ludwig AI indicates it is grammatically correct. It sets a tone of skepticism, as demonstrated in various examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it seemed improbable that" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to introduce statements that appear unlikely or doubtful, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news, encyclopedic, and scientific contexts, it serves to express skepticism or uncertainty. While stylistically versatile, overuse in narrative writing should be avoided to maintain a natural tone. Alternative phrases include "it appeared unlikely that" and "it was doubtful that". Remember to use the phrase judiciously to enhance clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it appeared unlikely that

Changes the verb from 'seemed' to 'appeared' and 'improbable' to 'unlikely', offering a slightly more direct tone.

it was doubtful that

A more concise way of expressing uncertainty or disbelief.

it was hard to believe that

Replaces 'seemed improbable' with a more emphatic expression of disbelief.

it defied expectation that

Uses a stronger verb ('defied') to indicate a greater level of unexpectedness.

it seemed a long shot that

Introduces a colloquial term ('long shot') to convey low probability.

it was a stretch to think that

Uses 'stretch' to imply that the idea is difficult to accept or believe.

it was questionable whether

Shifts the focus to the uncertainty of a situation rather than its improbability.

the odds were stacked against

Emphasizes the unfavorable conditions making a certain outcome unlikely.

it was against all odds that

Highlights the unexpected nature of an event by suggesting it happened despite unfavorable circumstances.

it strained credulity to assume

Indicates that believing something requires a significant suspension of disbelief.

FAQs

How can I use "it seemed improbable that" in a sentence?

Use "it seemed improbable that" to introduce a situation or outcome that appeared unlikely based on the available information or prior expectations. For example, "It seemed improbable that they would finish the project on time, given the limited resources".

What can I say instead of "it seemed improbable that"?

You can use alternatives like "it appeared unlikely that", "it was doubtful that", or "it was hard to believe that depending on the context.

Which is correct, "it seemed improbable that" or "it seems improbable that"?

"It seemed improbable that" refers to a past perception of improbability, while "it seems improbable that" refers to a current perception. The choice depends on whether you're discussing a past or present situation.

What is the difference between "it seemed improbable that" and "it was unlikely that"?

While both phrases convey a sense of low probability, "it seemed improbable that" emphasizes the subjective perception of improbability, whereas "it was unlikely that" is a more direct statement about the objective probability of an event.