probably because of

USAGE SUMMARY

You can use the phrase "probably because of" in written English.
For example, "I was feeling tired for the majority of the day, probably because of the late night I had last night".

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Probably because of Monsanto.

The New Yorker

ME: Probably because of the Mongols.

The New Yorker

Probably because of this review.

The New York Times - Magazine

That was probably because of my age".

The New York Times

It's probably because of my father".

The New York Times - Magazine

They're also much smellier, probably because of those errant grounds.

The New York Times - Arts

This is probably because of a combination of factors.

The Economist

This is probably because of a highly incomplete fossil record.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And it's probably because of my stuff in the past.

The Guardian

It was probably because of that doughnut, wasn't it?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I realize it was probably because of his age".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "probably because of", ensure the statement following the phrase provides a clear and logical reason for the preceding statement.

Common error

While acceptable, overuse of "probably because of" can make writing seem less assertive. Opt for stronger causal language when the connection is clear or supported by evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "probably because of" functions as a causal connector, linking an effect to its likely cause. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct. It suggests a reason or explanation without stating it as a certainty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "probably because of" functions as a common and grammatically correct causal connector, suggesting a likely reason or cause as Ludwig AI confirms. It's frequently found in both scientific and news media contexts, maintaining a generally neutral register. While versatile, remember to use it judiciously in formal writing to avoid weakening your statements. Consider alternatives like "likely due to" or "most likely a result of" depending on the specific context and desired level of formality. Be mindful of the potential to overuse this phrase and seek stronger, more direct language when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

likely due to

Replaces "probably because of" with a more concise alternative using "due to".

most likely a result of

Emphasizes the high probability of a causal relationship.

presumably owing to

A more formal alternative, using "owing to" to indicate causation.

it is plausible that this is due to

Expresses a possible explanation in a more detailed and cautious manner.

conceivably as a consequence of

Highlights the potential consequence of a particular action or event.

the reason is perhaps

A less direct way of suggesting a cause.

it could be attributed to

Attributes the effect to a potential cause

it seems likely that

Implies a high chance, without explicitly stating causation.

the explanation might be

Indicates a tentative explanation for something.

one possible cause is

Suggests one cause among potentially many.

FAQs

How can I use "probably because of" in a sentence?

You can use "probably because of" to suggest a likely reason or cause for something. For example, "The game was canceled, "probably because of" the heavy rain".

What are some alternatives to "probably because of"?

Alternatives include "likely due to", "most likely a result of", or "presumably owing to" depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it correct to say "probably due to" instead of "probably because of"?

Yes, "probably due to" is a correct and often more concise alternative to "probably because of". They both indicate a likely cause or reason.

What's the difference between "probably because of" and "certainly because of"?

"Probably because of" suggests a likely but not definite cause, while "certainly because of" indicates a definite and confirmed cause. The choice depends on the level of certainty.