it was so improbable that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was so improbable that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a situation or event that is highly unlikely or difficult to believe. Example: "It was so improbable that anyone could survive such a fall, yet he emerged unscathed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It was so improbable, that Ramsay's infiltration happened off-screen.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's so improbable that it almost seems impossible".

The New York Times - Sports

I was told by the state vets that they wouldn't investigate [the Hungarian link] because it was so improbable.

The Guardian

In 1963, the notion that a newspaper reporter might challenge the official story of generals and ambassadors in the middle of a war, essentially accusing them of lying, was so improbable that it could have occurred only to someone still in his twenties.

The New Yorker

By George Packer In 1963, the notion that a newspaper reporter might challenge the official story of generals and ambassadors in the middle of a war, essentially accusing them of lying, was so improbable that it could have occurred only to someone still in his twenties.

The New Yorker

It took the last-minute heroics that were once the staple of boyhood comic books to accomplish it, a turnabout on the last day of the season's top-flight soccer competition that was so improbable that the winning coach, stunned, described it as "crazy" and said he felt about 90 years old.

The New York Times - Sports

The moment was so improbable that when the American speedskater Derek Parra set the first world record at the 2002 Olympics today, he raised his arms in euphoric disbelief, coasting on the emotions of his last 24 hours, if not the last six years.

The New York Times - Sports

Their story was so improbable that I understood why so many media outlets wrote about them.

Huffington Post

It is so improbable and distinctive that it seems a small miracle each time a recital there goes off successfully.

The New York Times - Arts

"I suppose it is kind of funny," the President said, "in that it's so improbable.

The New Yorker

It's so improbable.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was so improbable that" to underscore the unexpected nature of an event, enhancing the narrative's impact. Combine it with vivid imagery to captivate your audience.

Common error

While effective, avoid relying too heavily on "it was so improbable that" in formal or scientific contexts. Opt for more precise language to convey the statistical unlikelihood, maintaining a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was so improbable that" functions as an introductory clause expressing a high degree of unlikelihood or disbelief regarding a subsequent event or situation. Ludwig AI suggests that the phrase is perfectly acceptable and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was so improbable that" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey a high degree of unlikelihood. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and the examples show its presence in various contexts, including News & Media and Scientific publications. While versatile, remember to use it judiciously in formal settings, opting for more precise language when appropriate. Consider alternatives like "it was highly unlikely that" or "it seemed almost impossible that" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was highly unlikely that

Emphasizes the low probability of an event.

it was extremely doubtful that

Highlights the uncertainty surrounding an event.

it seemed almost impossible that

Focuses on the perceived impossibility of a situation.

it defied belief that

Stresses the incredulity caused by a situation.

it was scarcely believable that

Highlights the difficulty in accepting a situation as true.

the odds were stacked against it

Uses a metaphorical expression to convey low probability.

it stretched credulity to imagine

Emphasizes the strain on one's ability to believe.

it was a long shot that

Indicates a low chance of success.

it beggared belief that

Implies that something is beyond comprehension.

it was a miracle that

Suggests that a positive outcome was nearly impossible.

FAQs

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

Use "it was so improbable that" to emphasize an event or situation that was highly unlikely or difficult to believe. For instance, "It was so improbable that anyone could survive such a fall, yet he emerged unscathed."

What are some alternatives to "it was so improbable that"?

You can use alternatives like "it was highly unlikely that", "it seemed almost impossible that", or "it defied belief that" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "it was so improbable that" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it was so improbable that" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English to express a high degree of unlikelihood.

What is the difference between "it was improbable that" and "it was so improbable that"?

While both phrases convey unlikelihood, "it was so improbable that" adds emphasis to the degree of improbability, suggesting a higher level of disbelief or surprise compared to "it was improbable that".