it seems probable that

USAGE SUMMARY

'it seems probable that' is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to imply a probability or a likelihood that something is true, without implying certainty. It is also used to express an opinion or judgement. For example: "It seems probable that the new vaccine will be effective in protecting people from the virus."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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 they represent the sacrifice of war booty.

Britannica

It seems probable that the suffixed element had a demonstrative force when a prefix was present.

Britannica

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

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 influence and involvement of returnees will grow as their numbers increase".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it seems probable that" to express a reasoned judgment or informed guess, particularly when direct evidence is limited. This phrase adds a layer of careful consideration to your statements.

Common error

Avoid using "it seems probable that" when you have definitive evidence. This phrase implies uncertainty, so use stronger language if you possess concrete proof.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it seems probable that" functions as an epistemic phrase, indicating the speaker's assessment of the likelihood of a particular statement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, emphasizing its role in expressing opinions and judgments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it seems probable that" is a versatile phrase used to express a reasoned judgment or informed guess, particularly when direct evidence is limited. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, from news and media to scientific and academic writing. When using the phrase, remember that it's best suited for situations where you want to convey a sense of likelihood without asserting absolute certainty. Be mindful of the strength of your evidence and choose stronger language when definitive proof is available.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is likely that

Replaces "seems probable" with a more direct expression of likelihood.

it is plausible that

Substitutes "probable" with "plausible", suggesting a reasonable possibility.

it is conceivable that

Uses "conceivable" instead of "probable", indicating something is within the realm of possibility.

it is reasonable to assume that

Replaces the phrase with a more explicit statement about making an assumption.

one might expect that

Offers a less direct, more speculative alternative.

it would appear that

Shifts the focus to appearance or observation rather than probability.

the evidence suggests that

Highlights the role of evidence in supporting a likely conclusion.

indications are that

Uses "indications" to imply that signs point toward a particular conclusion.

it is quite possible that

Adds emphasis to the possibility.

chances are that

Offers a more informal way to express likelihood.

FAQs

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

Use "it seems probable that" to introduce a statement you believe is likely but cannot confirm with certainty. For example, "It seems probable that the meeting will be delayed due to the weather conditions".

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

You can use alternatives like "it is likely that", "it is plausible that", or "it is reasonable to assume that" depending on the context and the degree of certainty you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "it seems probable that" and "it seems possible that"?

"It seems probable that" suggests a higher degree of likelihood than "it seems possible that". The former implies a strong reason to believe something, while the latter merely indicates that something could happen.

When should I use "it seems probable that" versus "it is certain that"?

Use "it seems probable that" when you lack definitive proof but have good reason to believe something is true. Use "it is certain that" only when you have irrefutable evidence or proof.