somewhat improbable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat improbable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or event that is unlikely to happen, but not entirely impossible. Example: "While the chances of winning the lottery are somewhat improbable, many still buy tickets in hopes of a big win."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Both writers found "Zohan" a subversive, somewhat improbable assignment.

The New York Times

The two leaders have both taken somewhat improbable paths to the top.

The New York Times

The worst-case scenario, in which everyone who has an iCloud account has been exposed, seems somewhat improbable.

The New Yorker

Even with that clear-eyed stance, Intel executives did seem to suggest a somewhat improbable future that consistently favored Intel's favorite areas, particularly PCs.

The New York Times

Yvon also stood apart because of the somewhat improbable medium in which, over time, he increasingly chose to express his singular vision.

The New York Times - Books

Now, there's no doubt that it has been a good decade to be in the arms or petroleum business, but this struck me as somewhat improbable.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

"It's pretty improbable.

Vice

A celebrity candidate who has become somewhat of an improbable pop culture figure with her dance party, fund-raisers featuring the former talk show host Rosie O'Donnell and campaign appearances with the actor Martin Sheen, Ms. Reno generates headlines and had the least to prove in the debate tonight.

The New York Times

Mr Emanuel's mission is less improbable than that; but only somewhat.

The Economist

The same private resume which made Philipp a somewhat startling bridegroom, also made him an improbable if not unprecedented high Nazi administrator.

Huffington Post

And the tables will be somewhat turned, with Jordan, who is attempting an improbable comeback at age 38, being the one with something to prove.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "somewhat improbable", ensure the context clarifies the remaining possibility. The phrase acknowledges unlikelihood but doesn't completely negate potential occurrence.

Common error

Avoid using "somewhat improbable" when the situation is clearly impossible. This phrase indicates a degree of possibility, so ensure it aligns with the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat improbable" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun. It serves to qualify the improbability, suggesting it's not absolute. Ludwig AI examples show its use across various contexts to describe scenarios that are unlikely but not entirely impossible.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "somewhat improbable" is a common adjective phrase used to describe events or situations that are unlikely but not impossible. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and versatile usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "rather unlikely" exist, "somewhat improbable" offers a nuanced way to express doubt without completely dismissing the possibility. When using the phrase, ensure the context aligns with the degree of possibility you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relatively improbable

Indicates improbability in comparison to other possibilities or expectations.

rather unlikely

Indicates a slightly stronger degree of improbability than "somewhat improbable".

fairly unlikely

Similar to "rather unlikely", suggesting a notable chance against happening.

not very probable

Directly states that the likelihood of something is low.

slightly doubtful

Focuses on the uncertainty or lack of conviction about something occurring.

hardly likely

Emphasizes that something is far from expected or anticipated.

a bit implausible

Emphasizes the difficulty in believing something, though not impossible.

moderately questionable

Highlights that something is open to doubt or challenge to a certain extent.

somewhat unrealistic

Suggests that something is not grounded in reality to some degree.

kind of far-fetched

Suggests that something is a stretch of imagination or difficult to believe.

FAQs

How can I use "somewhat improbable" in a sentence?

Use "somewhat improbable" to describe events or scenarios that are unlikely but still possible. For example: "While winning the lottery is "somewhat improbable", people still buy tickets."

What are some alternatives to "somewhat improbable"?

You can use alternatives like "rather unlikely", "fairly unlikely", or "slightly doubtful" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "very improbable" instead of "somewhat improbable"?

Yes, "very improbable" is a valid alternative. However, it indicates a stronger degree of unlikelihood compared to "somewhat improbable", which suggests a slight chance still exists.

What's the difference between "improbable" and "somewhat improbable"?

"Improbable" suggests a low probability of occurring, while "somewhat improbable" implies a lesser degree of unlikelihood. The addition of "somewhat" softens the statement.