probably will be late

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "probably will be late" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that there is a likelihood of being late for an event or appointment. Example: "I might not make it to the meeting on time; I probably will be late due to traffic."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The headmistress will be late.

The Economist

Jerry Jones would not speculate on when he expected to hear from Goodell, acknowledging that the decision "probably will be very late in the preseason".

The New York Times - Sports

If you wait until a company is performing a credit check, it probably will be too late to report an error, which could lead you to receive higher interest rates or loan denials.

Los Angeles Times

And probably will be.

The Economist

Ford probably will be, too.

The New Yorker

They probably will be.

Forbes

They probably WILL be found.

WikiHow

He probably will be too.

WikiHow

"Probably eleven-ish?" He'd been late for work three times that week.

The New Yorker

Don't go there, she tells listeners, because your food will probably be late.

The New York Times

Corn silage will probably be late this year but corn planted by June 8th should attain 68% whole plant moisture.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, consider adding a reason for the potential delay to provide context and manage expectations. For instance, "I probably will be late due to traffic."

Common error

Avoid using "probably will be late" excessively without offering any explanation. Constant vague predictions can erode trust and create unnecessary anxiety. Instead, be specific about potential causes for the delay if possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "probably will be late" functions as an adverbial modifier indicating the likelihood of a future event (being late). It qualifies the verb phrase "will be" by expressing a probability rather than a certainty. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

0%

Science

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Wiki

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Academia

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Reference

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "probably will be late" is a grammatically sound and usable way to express a likelihood of being delayed. As Ludwig confirms, its correctness and utility are well-established. While considered neutral in register, context may influence whether more formal alternatives are preferred. The phrase functions as an adverbial modifier, serving to manage expectations and provide tentative explanations. In the absence of specific context occurrences, its applicability spans various domains like News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

possibly be late

Emphasizes the uncertainty of arriving on time.

likely to be delayed

Focuses on the possibility of something causing a delay.

may not be on time

Expresses uncertainty about arriving punctually.

could be running late

Similar to 'might', indicating a chance of tardiness.

expected to be tardy

Formal way of saying someone is expected to be late.

anticipated to be late

Similar to 'expected', but implies a degree of anticipation.

might be running behind schedule

Indicates a deviation from the planned schedule.

conceivably be delayed

Highlights the possibility, even if remote, of a delay.

foreseeably be late

Implies that being late is predictable based on current circumstances.

unlikely to be punctual

Suggests a low probability of being on time.

FAQs

What does "probably will be late" mean?

The phrase "probably will be late" means that it's likely someone or something will not arrive on time, but it's not a certainty. There is a chance they might still be on time or only slightly delayed.

What can I say instead of "probably will be late"?

You can use alternatives like "likely to be delayed", "might be running late", or "expected to be tardy" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "probably will be late" or "will probably be late"?

Both "probably will be late" and "will probably be late" are grammatically correct. However, "will probably be late" is slightly more common in contemporary English.

Is it better to say "I think I will be late" instead of "probably will be late"?

Saying "I think I will be late" expresses a personal belief or assessment, while "probably will be late" suggests a higher degree of certainty based on external factors. The best choice depends on whether you're conveying a hunch or a more informed prediction.