it seems improbable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it seems improbable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing doubt or skepticism about the likelihood of a particular situation or outcome. Example: "Given the evidence presented, it seems improbable that the event will occur as planned."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Could they, one day soon, be America's newest entrepreneurs, providing contract transport services between Baltimore city and the surrounding counties?It seems improbable.

The Economist

It seems improbable.

The Economist

It seems improbable enough.

The Guardian - Sport

But it seems improbable now.

The New Yorker

In fact, it seems improbable even in Wukan's home province.

The New York Times

It seems improbable he will this season, but not impossible.

Independent

It seems improbable that this was a pregnancy undertaken lightly.

The Guardian - Opinion

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

The Economist

So the teasing started because it seems improbable he did not suspect anything".

Independent

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

The Guardian - Opinion

It seems improbable, unless the A's start making more contact and minimizing mistakes.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it seems improbable" to introduce a statement that contradicts a previous claim or widely held belief. This helps to create a nuanced argument.

Common error

Avoid using "it seems improbable" when the situation is clearly impossible. Reserve it for situations where there's a slight chance, however small, of occurrence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it seems improbable" functions as an epistemic stance marker, indicating the speaker's or writer's assessment of the likelihood of a particular event or situation. Ludwig's examples show it frequently introduces a reasoned doubt, often based on evidence or context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it seems improbable" is a versatile phrase used to express doubt or skepticism in a nuanced manner. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and appears frequently across diverse contexts. While versatile, be careful to not use "it seems improbable" when you believe something to be completely impossible. While it is appropriate for formal and neutral contexts, several alternatives like "it seems unlikely" may provide a better fit depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it seems unlikely

Expresses a lower degree of certainty than "it seems improbable", suggesting something is not expected to happen.

it appears doubtful

Similar to "it seems improbable", but emphasizes uncertainty or skepticism.

it is hardly likely

Indicates a low probability of something occurring.

it's a long shot

Implies a very low chance of success.

it is questionable

Suggests there are reasons to doubt or dispute something.

it seems dubious

Indicates suspicion or mistrust.

it is far-fetched

Suggests something is unrealistic or difficult to believe.

it's a remote possibility

Highlights the unlikelihood of something happening.

the odds are stacked against it

Indicates unfavorable conditions make success unlikely.

it defies belief

Implies something is so extraordinary it is hard to accept.

FAQs

How can I use "it seems improbable" in a sentence?

You can use "it seems improbable" to express doubt about a particular situation or outcome. For example, "Given the current market conditions, "it seems improbable" that the company will achieve its projected growth targets."

What's a good alternative to "it seems improbable"?

Alternatives include "it seems unlikely", "it appears doubtful", or "it is questionable". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of doubt you wish to convey.

Is there a subtle difference between "it seems improbable" and "it seems impossible"?

Yes. "It seems improbable" suggests something is unlikely but still potentially possible, while "it seems impossible" indicates a belief that something cannot happen under any circumstances.

Can "it seems improbable" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "it seems improbable" is appropriate for formal writing. It conveys a degree of skepticism or doubt in a professional and articulate manner. Its alternatives "it seems unlikely" and "it appears doubtful" are valid formal options as well.