probably not

USAGE SUMMARY

"probably not" is a correct and usable phrase in written English and can be used to indicate that something is unlikely or expected to be negative or false.
For example: "Will it rain tomorrow? Probably not."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I think probably not".

The New York Times

Probably not as much".

The New York Times

Probably not, he avers.

The New York Times

Nah, probably not".

Independent

Probably not a match.

The New Yorker

Very probably not.

The Economist

Probably not very.

The Economist

Or probably not sitting.

The New Yorker

Probably not growing much.

The New York Times

Probably not recently.

The New Yorker

Perhaps, but probably not.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "probably not" to convey a measured sense of doubt or disagreement, avoiding overly strong or definitive statements. It's useful when you want to acknowledge a possibility, however slim, of something being true or happening.

Common error

While versatile, relying too heavily on "probably not" can weaken the impact of your writing, especially in formal contexts. Vary your language by using stronger or more precise expressions of doubt or negation, like "unlikely" or "doubtful", for a more polished effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "probably not" functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a verb or clause. It expresses a degree of uncertainty or low probability, indicating that something is unlikely to be true or to happen. Ludwig AI validates this usage, offering numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "probably not" is a versatile and commonly used adverbial phrase that expresses a degree of uncertainty or low probability. As validated by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While it can be used in both formal and informal settings, it's essential to consider the specific context and audience to ensure the tone and level of formality are appropriate. Using related phrases, such as "likely not" or "unlikely", can add variety to your writing and prevent overuse of this expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

likely not

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

not likely

Inverts the structure while preserving the meaning of something being improbable.

unlikely

A single-word substitute expressing low probability.

doubtful

Indicates a sense of skepticism or uncertainty.

I doubt it

Expresses personal doubt regarding a statement or possibility.

not really

A more informal way to express disagreement or negation.

not necessarily

Indicates that something is not always the case.

hardly

Implies that something is almost certainly not the case.

not a chance

Strongly expresses the impossibility of something happening.

improbable

A formal term indicating low probability or likelihood.

FAQs

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

The phrase "probably not" is typically used as a short response to a question or statement where you want to express a degree of uncertainty or disagreement. For example: "Will it rain today?" "Probably not."

What phrases are similar to "probably not"?

Alternatives include "likely not", "unlikely", "I doubt it", or "not necessarily", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "probably not" formal or informal?

The phrase "probably not" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or professional writing to convey a more precise tone.

What's the difference between "probably not" and "definitely not"?

The phrase "probably not" indicates a degree of uncertainty or low likelihood, whereas "definitely not" expresses certainty and strong negation. Choosing between them depends on the level of confidence you have in your assessment.