it seems probable

USAGE SUMMARY

'it seems probable' is a perfectly fine and usable phrase in written English.
It is commonly used to express the idea that something is more likely than not. For example: "With the current trends in the market, it seems probable that stocks will continue to rise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it seems probable.

The New York Times - Arts

It seems probable that the mother was getting worse.

The New Yorker

It seems probable that Elbaz may take over at Dior.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It seems probable that Moynihan never quite recovered from the bitterness of those days.

The New York Times - Books

It seems probable that most will have some future life on the regional circuit.

The New York Times

Now, because of the plea agreement, it seems probable that he will receive a shorter term.

The New York Times

So, it seems probable, are the many essential salts and minerals.

The New Yorker

It seems probable that he was taken to another location to be killed.

The Guardian - Film

It seems probable that no alarm was sounded from inside the bank.

The New Yorker

And it seems probable that psychiatric evaluations will have an important place in Loughner's trial.

The New Yorker

It seems probable that the case will never actually go to court.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it seems probable" to express a degree of uncertainty when presenting information, especially when definitive proof is lacking. This adds nuance to your writing and avoids overly strong claims.

Common error

Avoid using "it seems probable" when the evidence strongly supports a conclusion. In such cases, a more definitive statement would be appropriate. Overusing "it seems probable" can weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it seems probable" functions as an epistemic phrase, expressing a speaker's assessment of the likelihood of a statement or event. It is used to convey that something is more likely than not, based on the available information. According to Ludwig AI, this is a standard and correct grammatical usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it seems probable" is a versatile phrase used to express a belief that something is more likely than not. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. It appears frequently in "News & Media" and scientific writing, as shown by Ludwig's examples, and offers a balanced way to present information with a degree of uncertainty. When writing, remember not to overstate probability and to choose stronger statements when the evidence warrants them.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is likely

This alternative uses a more direct and concise expression of probability.

it is probable

This alternative omits "seems" for a slightly stronger assertion of probability.

it would appear that

This alternative introduces a sense of observation or deduction leading to the conclusion.

the evidence suggests

This alternative focuses on the supporting evidence rather than a personal assessment.

it is reasonable to assume

This alternative emphasizes the logical basis for the assumption.

one can infer that

This alternative highlights the act of drawing a conclusion from evidence.

it is quite possible

This alternative emphasizes the possibility of the event occurring.

it is conceivable that

This alternative highlights the possibility of something being imagined or understood.

the odds are that

This alternative uses an informal expression to convey probability.

chances are

This alternative is an informal and shortened version of "the odds are that."

FAQs

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

You can use "it seems probable" to express a belief that something is likely to happen or is likely to be true, based on available evidence. For example, "It seems probable that the meeting will be delayed due to the weather."

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

You can use alternatives like "it is likely", "it is probable", or "it would appear that" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "it seems probable" or "it seems possible"?

"It seems probable" suggests a higher degree of likelihood than "it seems possible". Use "it seems probable" when you believe something is more likely to happen than not, and "it seems possible" when you simply want to indicate that something could happen.

What's the difference between "it seems probable" and "it seems likely"?

The phrases "it seems probable" and "it seems likely" are very similar in meaning and can often be used interchangeably. Both indicate a good chance of something happening or being true. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.