it will probably be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it will probably be" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is usually used to indicate that something is likely to happen in the future. For example: "The flight will leave in an hour, so it will probably be about 8 o'clock when we arrive at the airport."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It will probably be windy.

The New York Times - Sports

It will probably be easier.

The New Yorker

However, it will probably be higher.

The New York Times

"(It) will probably be talked about.

Independent

It will probably be less frustrating.

The New York Times

Next year, it will probably be mandatory.

The Economist

It will probably be impossible for us.

Independent

It will probably be Charles.

The Guardian - Books

It will probably be poorly paid.

The Guardian

It will probably be forgotten very quickly.

The Guardian - Sport

(It will probably be your C: drive).

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it will probably be", ensure that the context clearly establishes what "it" refers to. This avoids ambiguity and enhances clarity.

Common error

While "it will probably be" is acceptable in many contexts, overuse in formal writing can weaken your message. Consider using stronger, more precise language to convey certainty or likelihood where appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it will probably be" functions as a future tense construction expressing likelihood or expectation. Ludwig's examples show it is often used to predict or anticipate an outcome based on current information or trends. The AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Wiki

15%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it will probably be" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express a likely future outcome. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. Although generally acceptable, formal writing might benefit from stronger or more precise alternatives, such as "it is likely to be" or "it is expected to be". The AI confirms the correctness of the phrase, highlighting its utility in conveying a moderate level of confidence about a future event.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is likely to be

Replaces "probably" with "likely", maintaining a similar level of certainty.

it is expected to be

Uses "expected" instead of "probably", suggesting a slightly stronger anticipation.

it's anticipated to be

Similar to "expected", but with a slightly more formal tone using "anticipated".

it's projected to be

Implies a forecast or prediction, making it suitable for data-driven contexts.

it's estimated to be

Suitable when a rough calculation or approximation is involved.

it's apt to be

A more formal and less common way of saying "likely to be".

it could very well be

Adds emphasis to the possibility, suggesting a significant chance.

it's quite possible it will be

Expresses possibility while being more verbose.

chances are it will be

A more informal way of expressing likelihood.

it seems probable that it will be

Adds a layer of observation or deduction to the statement.

FAQs

How can I use "it will probably be" in a sentence?

You can use "it will probably be" to express a likely outcome or expectation. For example, "The meeting will start soon, so "it will probably be" a short one".

What are some alternatives to "it will probably be"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it is likely to be", "it is expected to be", or "chances are it will be", depending on the level of formality and certainty you wish to convey.

Is "it will probably be" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "it will probably be" might be perceived as less formal. In professional or academic contexts, consider using more precise and authoritative alternatives such as "it is projected to be" or "it is estimated to be".

What does "it will probably be" imply about the speaker's confidence?

"It will probably be" suggests a moderate level of confidence. The speaker believes something is likely to happen but isn't entirely certain. If you're more confident, you might say "it will definitely be"; if less confident, "it might be".