not improbable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not improbable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is likely or possible, often in a context where one is discussing the likelihood of an event or situation. Example: "Given the current trends in technology, it is not improbable that we will see significant advancements in AI within the next few years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

It is not improbable.

The New York Times - Magazine

The possibility of an HIV/AIDS epidemic in southeastern Europe (SEE) is not improbable.

Stanford University

The Jets arrived here through a path that appeared daunting at the outset, if not improbable.

The New York Times

He had won this illustrious event last year, so a double victory was not improbable.

The New York Times - Arts

The idea of a Tehran mayor becoming president is not improbable.

The New York Times

It is also thought not improbable that she hoped to blackmail him after the crime.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Happiness isn't improbable, only cartoonish ecstasy is.

The New York Times - Arts

Thinking about it, I decided a comparison wasn't improbable.

The Guardian - Music

But the real lesson of that improbable story is that it wasn't improbable at all.

The New Yorker

If a ski slope in the desert weren't improbable enough, how about a chalet on a ski slope inside a mall in the desert?

The New York Times - Style

It wasn't improbable, as Google had just shown off an actual, though not functional, prototype phone that mid-April morning at a developers' conference for the forthcoming smartphone, which Kinsman was attending.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not improbable" to introduce an idea as a realistic possibility, especially when downplaying skepticism or countering disbelief. It's more nuanced than "possible" and suggests a degree of likelihood.

Common error

Avoid stacking "not improbable" with other negatives (e.g., "It's not improbable that there won't be delays."). This can create confusion; opt for a positive restatement like, "Delays are likely."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not improbable" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun. It suggests a degree of possibility or likelihood, indicating that something is not unlikely to occur. Ludwig's examples show it qualifying events, ideas, and outcomes across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not improbable" is a versatile expression used to convey a sense of possibility or likelihood, more nuanced than a simple "possible" but less definitive than "likely". As shown by Ludwig's AI analysis, it’s grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse fields such as news, academia, and science. Its presence in reputable sources such as The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica underscores its reliability and broad applicability. When writing, remember that while "not improbable" suggests a reasonable chance, overusing such double negatives can reduce clarity. Alternatives like "quite possible" or "fairly likely" may sometimes offer a more direct approach. Ultimately, understanding its proper usage ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quite possible

Emphasizes possibility, a direct alternative with a slightly less formal tone.

fairly likely

Indicates a good chance of something happening, suggesting a higher probability.

reasonably possible

Stresses the reasonableness of the possibility, suitable for more formal contexts.

within the realm of possibility

Highlights that something is conceivable, though not necessarily probable.

conceivable

Indicates something is imaginable or believable, with a focus on mental possibility.

plausible

Suggests that something is believable and likely to be true or valid.

potentially

Highlights the potential for something to happen, without specifying the likelihood.

may well happen

Indicates a strong possibility and confidence in an event occurring.

not out of the question

Suggests that something is possible, even if unlikely, often used to offer hope.

could happen

A simple and direct expression of possibility, suitable for informal contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "not improbable" in a sentence?

Use "not improbable" to suggest that something is possible or even likely, as in, "It is "quite possible" that the project will succeed despite the challenges."

What can I say instead of "not improbable"?

You can use alternatives like ""quite possible"", "fairly likely", or "reasonably possible" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "not improbable" or "improbable"?

"Not improbable" means something is possible or likely, while "improbable" means something is unlikely. They have opposite meanings.

What's the difference between "not improbable" and "not impossible"?

"Not improbable" suggests a reasonable chance of something happening, while "not impossible" merely indicates that something is theoretically achievable, even if unlikely. "Not improbable" is a stronger assertion of possibility than "not impossible".