quite probable

USAGE SUMMARY

"quite probable" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means that something is very likely to happen or be true. Example: It is quite probable that it will rain tomorrow, so you should bring an umbrella. In this sentence, "quite probable" is used to express a strong likelihood that it will rain tomorrow.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What is improbable for a cell is quite probable for a clone, and the bigger the clone, the higher is the probability of the next mutation in one of the daughter cells.

Clinical Epigenetics

"Yes, it's quite probable," he said.

The Guardian

"It is quite probable that it was heading a heavy football that caused it.

The Guardian

It is quite probable that surveying had its origin in ancient Egypt.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"It's quite probable that there was an understanding with a business here or there," Mr. Chirac said.

The New York Times

It is, as Hall writes in a forthcoming essay, quite probable that his assassins were in that first audience.

The Guardian

It's quite probable that the Chinese authorities would've taken less umbrage if Bush had had a private audience with Fang.

The New Yorker

It is quite probable that there is some other vessel to which the men and guns are to be transferred".

The New York Times

It is quite probable that these two civilizations developed their mapping skills more or less concurrently and in similar directions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It seems quite probable that the development of metamorphosis occurred more than once during the evolution of insects.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Power stations can be designed to ride through a few lighting strikes, but it's quite probable these wind farms suffered multiple strikes.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite probable" to express a strong likelihood based on available evidence or logical reasoning. It's stronger than "possible" but not as definitive as "certain."

Common error

Avoid using "quite probable" when the situation warrants a stronger expression of certainty (e.g., "certain", "definite") or when there is minimal evidence to support the likelihood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite probable" functions as an adjectival phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun, expressing a degree of likelihood or possibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates that something is very likely to happen or be true.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quite probable" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express a strong degree of likelihood. It falls between "possible" and "certain" in terms of confidence. As shown by Ludwig, it appears frequently in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias, making it versatile for both formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects the level of certainty intended and avoid overstating the strength of the prediction. Alternatives like "very likely" or "highly likely" can be used for variety. Remember to use supporting evidence when possible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

very likely

Changes the intensifier while maintaining a direct expression of high probability.

highly likely

Employs a different adverb to emphasize the elevated degree of probability.

most likely

Shifts to a more common expression indicating the greatest probability among possibilities.

very possible

Substitutes 'probable' with 'possible', focusing on the existence of a chance rather than its likelihood.

likely enough

Rephrases to suggest that the probability meets a certain threshold of expectation.

reasonably expected

Focuses on anticipation based on a justifiable degree of certainty.

within the bounds of possibility

Expresses that something is conceivable given certain circumstances, but with a stronger focus on possibility rather than probability.

can be anticipated

Shifts the focus to the act of predicting, based on a considerable likelihood.

easily foreseen

Highlights the predictability of an event due to high probability.

stands a good chance

Uses an idiomatic expression to indicate a favorable likelihood of occurrence.

FAQs

How can I use "quite probable" in a sentence?

Use "quite probable" to indicate a strong likelihood. For instance, "It is quite probable that the meeting will be delayed due to the weather."

What are some alternatives to saying "quite probable"?

You can use alternatives such as "very likely", "highly likely", or "most likely" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "quite probable" and "quite possible"?

"Quite probable" suggests a strong likelihood, while "quite possible" simply indicates that something could happen, though it may not be particularly likely. "Probable" indicates a higher degree of certainty than "possible."

When is it more appropriate to use "quite certain" instead of "quite probable"?

Use "quite certain" when you have a very high degree of confidence or near-absolute certainty about something. "Quite probable" is better when there's a high likelihood, but not an absolute guarantee.