probably since

USAGE SUMMARY

"probably since" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something has been the case for a certain period of time. Example: I have been feeling tired lately, probably since I started my new job.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Probably since the late nineties.

The New Yorker

"And probably since then, maybe only once".

The New Yorker

"It's the best probably since Davis.

The Guardian - Sport

"We've been looking for new usages probably since 1955".

The New York Times

"It was the greatest social revolution probably since the suffragettes.

The New Yorker

But she was a "giant supporter of the President, probably since 2004".

The New Yorker

He went on, "I honestly have not seen an entire talk show, probably since '95.

The New Yorker

"Probably since I was conceived, because my dad's a red and my grandfather's a red".

The Guardian - Sport

That hasn't been the case for a long time, probably since the late-1990s.

The Guardian - Sport

Romney has called Obama "the most anti-small business president I've seen probably since Carter".

The Guardian - Opinion

"We are witnessing the biggest displacement of people in Europe probably since the second world war.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "probably since", ensure the context clearly establishes a cause-and-effect relationship where the 'since' introduces the likely reason or starting point. For example: "The delay was significant, probably since the storm disrupted air travel."

Common error

Avoid using "probably since" when the connection between the events is weak or unclear. For example, avoid: "He wore a hat, probably since Tuesday", as it lacks a logical link between the hat and Tuesday.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "probably since" functions as a causal adverbial phrase, modifying a clause by indicating a probable reason or starting point in time for the event described. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase correctly establishes a connection between events, offering a likely, though not certain, explanation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "probably since" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a likely reason or starting point in time. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. As seen in examples across News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias, the phrase serves to provide a tentative explanation, acknowledging the possibility of other factors. While generally neutral in register, remember to use it only when a clear causal link exists to avoid misinterpretations. For situations needing stronger certainty, consider alternatives like "certainly since", or for less certainty, "possibly due to".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

likely because

Replaces "since" with "because", focusing more on the cause-and-effect relationship but with a similar level of certainty.

most likely as

Uses "most likely" instead of "probably", slightly increasing the degree of certainty while retaining the causal connection.

conceivably because

Employs "conceivably" for a more tentative suggestion of cause, making it less assertive than "probably".

presumably as

Substitutes "probably" with "presumably", implying a belief based on some evidence but without absolute certainty.

possibly due to

Replaces "since" with "due to", shifting the focus to the cause of an event, but maintaining the uncertainty with "possibly".

it's likely that

Introduces a clause to express probability, restructuring the sentence while keeping a similar level of certainty.

one might assume it's because

Uses a more verbose construction to suggest a possible reason, conveying a degree of uncertainty and speculation.

it could be attributed to

Attributes something to a possible cause, implying some uncertainty and a more formal tone.

the reason may be

Offers a tentative explanation, suggesting that the stated reason is a possibility rather than a certainty.

it's plausible that

Suggests that something is believable but not definitively proven, reducing the assertion of causality.

FAQs

How can I use "probably since" in a sentence?

Use "probably since" to indicate a likely reason or starting point, connecting an event to its potential cause. For example: "She's been happier, probably since she started her new hobby."

What are some alternatives to "probably since"?

You can use alternatives like "likely because", "most likely as", or "possibly due to" depending on the context and desired level of certainty.

Is "probably since" formal or informal?

"Probably since" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "presumably because" might be preferred in strictly academic or professional settings.

What's the difference between "probably since" and "certainly since"?

"Probably since" indicates a likely but not definite reason, whereas "certainly since" implies a confirmed or undeniable cause. The choice depends on the strength of the evidence supporting the connection. If you want to give high importance to something with the highest level of accuracy and truthfulness, use "certainly since".