that seems improbable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that seems improbable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing doubt or skepticism about the likelihood of a particular situation or event occurring. Example: "The idea that he would win the lottery twice in a row seems improbable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

They seek $30 million or more in reparations, a figure that seems improbable, given the history.

The New York Times

Sky may hope that yesterday's action will do likewise, but – not least because Keys remains in situ – that seems improbable.

Independent

Perhaps because he figures that cleaning up corporate behaviour will soon be where the action is.On the evidence, that seems improbable.

The Economist

On the face of it that seems improbable; the pair are good mates and have been egging on each other to greater heights rather than comparing notes on mental fraility.

The Guardian - Sport

To do so would at the same time require finding a way to reduce the appeal of 21st century socialism in a variety of countries in Latin America - something that seems improbable during his tenure.

Huffington Post

He has successfully envisioned a mutualistic relationship between dance, music, costume, prop and projection that seems improbable, if not impossible; how would one person conceive of so much from nothing?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

In the wake of the Katie Couric interview, and Palin's myriad other tongue-tied appearances, that seemed improbable to me.

The New Yorker

Mr. Obama effectively traded tax cuts for the affluent, which Republicans were demanding, for a second stimulus bill that seemed improbable a few weeks ago.

The New York Times

His future could rest with the National Basketball Association team that drafts him, something that seemed improbable when he was a sophomore committing 123 turnovers.

The New York Times - Sports

Yet there they were on Saturday afternoon after a 5-3 win over the Philadelphia Phillies, celebrating a return to the postseason that seemed improbable six weeks ago.

The New York Times - Sports

For Sharapova, the triumph at once completed a career Grand Slam and her comeback to the highest level of her sport, two notions that seemed improbable as recently as two years ago.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that seems improbable", consider the audience and the level of formality required. In more casual settings, alternatives like "that's unlikely" may be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "that seems improbable" without a clear antecedent. Ensure that the "that" refers to a specific idea or situation that has been previously mentioned to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that seems improbable" functions as an evaluative expression. It conveys a judgment about the likelihood of a particular event or statement. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, indicating it's a standard way to express doubt. The "that" acts as a referential pronoun, pointing to a previously mentioned idea or situation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

20%

Science

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that seems improbable" is a commonly used phrase to express doubt or skepticism, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as an evaluative expression, often appearing in News & Media, Academia and Science. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "that appears unlikely" or "that seems doubtful". When using the phrase, ensure the "that" has a clear reference. Remember, the phrase itself is grammatically correct and broadly applicable, adding a nuanced expression of doubt to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that appears unlikely

Replaces "seems improbable" with "appears unlikely", slightly altering the tone to be more observational.

that seems doubtful

Substitutes "improbable" with "doubtful", suggesting uncertainty about the outcome.

that's not likely

Uses a more informal contraction and "likely" instead of "improbable", making it sound more conversational.

that's hardly plausible

Employs "hardly plausible" to convey a stronger sense of disbelief.

that's questionable

Replaces the entire phrase with a single adjective, focusing on the uncertainty of the claim.

that's a long shot

Uses an idiom to describe something with a very low probability of success.

it's unlikely that will happen

Expands the phrase into a full clause, adding more explicit clarity.

the odds are against it

Utilizes a gambling metaphor to express low probability.

I doubt that's true

Shifts to a first-person perspective to express personal skepticism.

it defies belief

Expresses a strong sense of incredulity, suggesting the statement is hard to believe.

FAQs

How can I use "that seems improbable" in a sentence?

Use "that seems improbable" to express doubt or disbelief about something. For example, "The idea that he would win the lottery twice in a row "that seems improbable"."

What are some alternatives to "that seems improbable"?

You can use alternatives like "that appears unlikely", "that seems doubtful", or "that's not likely" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "that seems improbable" or "that is improbable"?

"That seems improbable" implies a degree of subjective assessment based on available information. "That is improbable" states it as a more objective fact. The choice depends on the context and your intent.

What does "that seems improbable" imply about the speaker's belief?

It suggests the speaker finds the stated scenario or idea unlikely or questionable based on their understanding or available evidence. The speaker does not fully accept the possibility.