it seems improbable that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it seems 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 evidence presented, it seems improbable that the project will be completed on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

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

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

The Guardian - Opinion

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

The New York Times

Somehow it seems improbable that he has spent the day supervising seminars or reading dissertations.

The Guardian - Books

It seems improbable that he revisited it before painting the picture.

The Guardian - Arts

It seems improbable that he might succeed, yet he persists with such enthusiasm that he makes us wonder.

Independent

It seems improbable that in their present form any of them could have been written before about1200.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Though the figures for 2010 are not yet available, it seems improbable that things went appreciably better for the Mets.

The New York Times - Sports

The other, François Fillon, is mulling it over.In many ways, it seems improbable that Mr Sarkozy should return.

The Economist

Yet it seems improbable that NATO, now in more of a hurry than ever, can fix this mess.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it seems improbable that" when you want to express a cautious disagreement or suggest that something is unlikely without making a definitive statement. It's useful for maintaining a polite or professional tone.

Common error

Avoid using "it seems improbable that" in casual conversation. In more informal settings, simpler phrases like "I doubt that" or "that's unlikely" will sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it seems improbable that" functions as an epistemic modal, expressing a degree of uncertainty or doubt about a proposition. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It qualifies a statement, indicating that it is considered unlikely but not necessarily impossible.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Books

3%

Sports

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it seems improbable that" is a versatile epistemic modal used to express doubt or skepticism in a tactful manner. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across diverse contexts. Appearing most frequently in news and media, as well as in scientific publications, it maintains a neutral to formal register. For less formal contexts, simpler alternatives like "it seems unlikely that" or "I doubt that" may be more appropriate. The phrase's widespread use suggests its effectiveness in conveying uncertainty while maintaining a professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it seems unlikely that

Replaces "improbable" with "unlikely", indicating a slightly higher degree of possibility.

it appears improbable that

Substitutes "seems" with "appears", offering a slightly more formal tone.

it seems implausible that

Replaces "improbable" with "implausible", suggesting something is difficult to believe.

it seems doubtful that

Uses "doubtful" instead of "improbable", suggesting a stronger sense of uncertainty.

it seems questionable that

Employs "questionable", implying that something is open to debate or scrutiny.

it is improbable that

Removes "seems", making a more direct statement about improbability.

it seems far-fetched that

Uses "far-fetched", conveying a sense of something being unrealistic or unrealistic.

it seems a stretch to say that

Suggests that a particular claim requires an unwarranted leap in logic or evidence.

it's hard to believe that

Shifts the focus to the speaker's disbelief, rather than the inherent improbability.

one might doubt that

Introduces a more formal and distanced perspective on the improbability.

FAQs

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

You can use "it seems improbable that" to express doubt or skepticism about a situation. For example: "Given the lack of funding, "it seems improbable that" the project will be completed on time."

What are some alternatives to "it seems improbable that"?

Alternatives include "it seems unlikely that", "it appears unlikely that", or "it is doubtful that". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "it seems improbable that" formal or informal?

"It seems improbable that" is generally considered neutral to formal. It is suitable for academic writing, news articles, and professional communication, but might sound stilted in casual conversation.

What's the difference between "it seems improbable that" and "it seems impossible that"?

"It seems improbable that" suggests something is unlikely but still possible, while "it seems impossible that" suggests something is virtually certain not to happen. "It seems impossible that" conveys a stronger sense of certainty.