it was highly probable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was highly probable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the likelihood of an event or outcome occurring, often in a formal or analytical context. Example: "Based on the data collected, it was highly probable that the experiment would yield positive results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

However, the jury found for the plaintiff and also that "it was highly probable that Pulse's infringement was willful". Halo Elecs., Inc. v. Pulse Electronics., Inc., No. 2 07-cv-00331-PMP-PAL, 2 07-cv-00331-PMP-PALv. August 6, 2 07-cv-00331-PMP-PAL

Harvard University

The move came as Cuadrilla Resources published a long-awaited report, undertaken by independent experts, concluding that it was "highly probable" that its fracking had caused two small earthquakes earlier this year.

The Guardian

The Court of Appeals affirmed the conviction, ruling that, although the Government was collaterally estopped by the acquittal from offering Henry's testimony at trial and the testimony was inadmissible under the Federal Rules of Evidence, its admission was harmless because it was highly probable that the error did not prejudice Dowling.

Cornell University

It was highly probable that East had no more clubs and was hoping for a ruff.

The New York Times - Arts

A subsequent report found that it was highly probable that the fracking operation caused the tremors.

The Guardian

He said it was "highly probable" that the boy and girl had been infected with bird flu.

The New York Times

i did not think it was highly probable and I tried not to think about it in advance.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

According to the IUCN, "it is highly probable that this subspecies is now extinct" thanks to increased poaching and demand for rhino horn.

HuffPost

But due to the severity of its wounds, it is highly probable that the infant died.

American Journal of Primatology

Thus, it is highly probable that grease or its components played a certain role in foam formation and stabilization.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

In fact, it is highly probable that he was involved in its formulation or its approval".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was highly probable" when you want to express a strong likelihood based on available evidence or reasoning. It conveys a sense of informed judgment rather than mere guesswork.

Common error

Avoid using "it was highly probable" when the evidence is weak or speculative. Overusing the phrase in such contexts can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was highly probable" functions as an assessment of likelihood. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and signals that, based on available information, a particular outcome or event was very likely to occur.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

22%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was highly probable" is a versatile phrase used to express a strong likelihood based on evidence and reasoning. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news, science, and academic contexts. While alternatives like "it was very likely" or "it was almost certain" exist, "it was highly probable" carries a tone of informed judgment. It is important to avoid overstating certainty when using this phrase and to ensure that it aligns with the available evidence. This phrase is a staple for expressing well-founded likelihoods in formal and analytical writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was exceedingly probable

Replaces 'highly' with 'exceedingly', intensifying the degree of probability.

it was very probable

Substitutes 'highly' with 'very', a more common but slightly less formal modifier.

it was quite likely

Uses 'quite likely' as an alternative to 'highly probable', conveying a similar degree of likelihood.

it was almost certain

Suggests a near-certainty, stronger than 'highly probable'.

the odds were very good

Expresses probability using the idiom 'odds were good', implying a favorable chance.

it seemed almost inevitable

Conveys a sense of near inescapability, stronger in implication.

it was reasonably predictable

Focuses on the predictability of the event, rather than pure probability.

the expectation was high

Shifts the focus to expectation rather than probability, indicating anticipated outcome.

chances were high

A more informal and concise way to express high probability.

it was anticipated

Underlines the expectation of an event, implying a degree of probability but emphasizing anticipation.

FAQs

How can I use "it was highly probable" in a sentence?

You can use "it was highly probable" to express a strong likelihood based on evidence or reasoning. For example, "Given the weather conditions, "it was highly probable" that the game would be canceled."

What phrases can I use instead of "it was highly probable"?

Alternatives to "it was highly probable" include "it was very likely", "it was quite likely", or "it was almost certain". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between "it was highly probable" and "it was highly possible"?

"Highly probable" suggests a strong likelihood based on evidence, whereas "highly possible" only indicates that something is feasible but not necessarily likely. "Probable" implies more supporting evidence than "possible."

When is it appropriate to use "it was highly probable" in formal writing?

Use "it was highly probable" in formal writing when you want to convey a strong likelihood supported by evidence, without stating something as a certainty. It is suitable for analytical or argumentative contexts where precision is important.