it was improbable that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was improbable that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing doubt or skepticism about the likelihood of a certain event or situation occurring. Example: "Given the circumstances, it was improbable that they would finish the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Kargbo's lawyers filed another habeas petition, arguing that his ongoing detention had come to seem punitive, since it was improbable that he would be deported anywhere.

The New Yorker

They also said it was improbable that the American plane would have banked again, given the standard practice of flying straight and level when foreign jets were nearby.

The New York Times

The spokesman said it was "improbable" that the European Union would take such measures, even after Foreign Ministers discuss the matter at a meeting on May 25.

The New York Times

A recent review of London River (in Variety magazine) claimed it was improbable that Elizabeth and Ousmane's paths would keep crossing in a city as big as London.

The Guardian - Film

He said that the authorities were questioning several policemen guarding the bridge in Rawalpindi where the bomb detonated, but that it was improbable that they were involved.

The New York Times

In the jargon used to count the steady accumulation of carbon dioxide in the Earth's thin layer of atmosphere, he said it was "improbable" that levels could now be restricted to 650 parts per million (ppm).

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

It is improbable that the secessionist appetite has been quashed.

Independent

It is improbable that granting the injunction will cause substantial harm to defendant.

Harvard University

It is improbable that the I.I.T.'s will ever regain their old glory.

The New York Times

It's improbable that a Japanese company would have fared any better against Yokich.

The New York Times - Books

It's improbable that the N. Vietnamese will quickly reduce their armed strength.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was improbable that" to express a calculated assessment of unlikelihood, based on available information or past experience. It is stronger than "unlikely" but weaker than "impossible".

Common error

Avoid using "it was improbable that" when the situation is clearly impossible or highly certain. Reserve it for scenarios where there is a reasonable, albeit small, chance of occurrence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was improbable that" functions as a modal expression, indicating a degree of uncertainty or a low expectation regarding a particular event or statement. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various contexts to express skepticism.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

32%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was improbable that" serves as a useful tool for expressing a skeptical or doubtful assessment of the likelihood of an event or statement. As Ludwig confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and common across varied contexts, particularly within news media, scientific writing, and encyclopedic entries. Although interchangeable with phrases like "it was unlikely that", "it was improbable that" denotes a stronger degree of reasoned doubt. When wielding this phrase, ensure that the level of improbability aligns with the situation to avoid overstatement, as per the most common writing error.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was highly unlikely that

Emphasizes the low probability of something happening.

it seemed improbable that

Similar meaning, slightly softens the statement by attributing the improbability to a perception.

it was doubtful that

Focuses on uncertainty or skepticism about a particular outcome.

it was not very likely that

A more explicit and less concise way to express improbability.

it was questionable whether

Introduces an element of doubt about the truth or validity of something.

it was uncertain if

Highlights the lack of certainty surrounding a particular event or situation.

the chances were slim that

An idiomatic expression indicating very low probability.

it was a long shot that

Another idiomatic expression, implying a low chance of success.

it defied expectation that

Emphasizes that something was unexpected or contrary to what was anticipated.

it was against all odds that

Highlights that something happened despite seeming impossible.

FAQs

What does "it was improbable that" mean?

The phrase "it was improbable that" means that something was unlikely to happen or be true, although not impossible. It suggests a low probability based on available evidence or understanding.

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

You can use "it was improbable that" to express doubt about a future event or to describe something unexpected. For example, "Given the weather conditions, "it was improbable that" the flight would take off on time."

What's the difference between "it was improbable that" and "it was unlikely that"?

While both phrases suggest something is not expected to happen, "it was improbable that" implies a slightly stronger degree of doubt than "it was unlikely that". Improbable suggests a more reasoned assessment of low possibility.

Are there alternatives to "it was improbable that"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "it was doubtful that", "it was highly unlikely that", or "it seemed improbable that" to convey a similar meaning.