probably next year

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "probably next year" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you need to indicate that something may happen in the future, but the exact timing is uncertain. For example: "We probably won't be able to go on vacation this year, but hopefully we can go somewhere warm and sunny probably next year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

The next step, probably next year, will be to agree conditional independence, placing the onus on the Kosovans to maintain a multi-ethnic society, one in which Albanian Kosovans recognise the rights of Serbian Kosovans rather than trying to force them out.

The Guardian

"We are going to be looking to hire, probably next year," he says.

The New York Times

The bill now goes to the Senate, where analysts predict it will pass, probably next year.

The Washington Post

But many other officials believe that a fare increase, probably next year, is very likely.

The New York Times

The supreme court is due to give its verdict at a later date, probably next year.

The Guardian

He can remain free at least until his case is heard at the appeals court in Paris, probably next year.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Tax revenues have already plunged, and will continue to tumble this year and probably next year as well.

The New York Times

Though many see major debt restructuring for Greece as inevitable, probably next year or in 2013, one E.U. diplomat said that the timetable could accelerate if the troika could not make Greece's figures add up.

The New York Times

But the numbers from the broader economy have been so much better than anyone expected the past few months, you have to assume they will be thinking about revising up their growth forecasts for this year - and probably next year as well.

BBC

"Time is a great healer, but now and probably next year is not the right time to consider that".

The New York Times - Sports

Probably next year you'll hear more on that, but it has been a whirlwind.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "probably next year", ensure the context clearly establishes what event or situation you're referring to. Clarity is key, especially in formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "probably next year" when you have concrete evidence or a high degree of certainty about an event occurring at that time. Use more definitive language instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "probably next year" functions as an adverbial phrase of time, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when an event is expected to occur. Ludwig confirms its acceptability and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "probably next year" is a common and grammatically sound way to express an expectation about something happening in the future, while acknowledging a degree of uncertainty. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While acceptable in most situations, consider using more precise language in highly formal settings. Alternatives like "likely next year" or "possibly next year" can be used to fine-tune the level of certainty conveyed. When using the phrase, ensure that the context clearly identifies the event you are referring to.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

likely next year

Replaces "probably" with "likely", conveying a similar level of possibility.

possibly next year

Substitutes "probably" with "possibly", indicating a slightly lower degree of certainty.

potentially next year

Uses "potentially" instead of "probably", suggesting a possibility depending on certain conditions.

perhaps next year

Replaces "probably" with "perhaps", indicating a similar level of uncertainty.

maybe next year

Uses "maybe" instead of "probably", suggesting a less formal tone.

conceivably next year

Replaces "probably" with "conceivably", suggesting something is within the realm of possibility.

in all likelihood next year

Expands on "probably" to "in all likelihood", emphasizing the expectation.

it is anticipated next year

Shifts the phrase to a more formal tone using "it is anticipated".

it is expected next year

Expresses a stronger expectation than "probably" by using "it is expected".

one can expect it next year

Uses a more generalized structure with "one can expect it" to express anticipation.

FAQs

How can I use "probably next year" in a sentence?

You can use "probably next year" to express an expectation of something happening in the future, without being completely certain. For example: "The renovations will likely begin "probably next year"."

What are some alternatives to saying "probably next year"?

Depending on the nuance you want to convey, you can use alternatives like "likely next year", "possibly next year", or "potentially next year".

Is it more appropriate to say "probably next year" or "likely next year"?

Both "probably next year" and "likely next year" are acceptable. "Likely" might suggest a slightly higher degree of confidence than "probably", but they're largely interchangeable.

Can "probably next year" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "probably next year" is generally acceptable in both formal and informal writing. However, for very formal contexts, consider alternatives that convey a more precise level of certainty, if known, or phrases like "it is anticipated next year".