that seems unlikely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that seems unlikely" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express doubt or skepticism about a statement or situation that appears improbable. Example: "The weather forecast predicts a sunny day in the middle of winter, but that seems unlikely."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

In practice that seems unlikely.

The Economist

For the moment that seems unlikely.

The New Yorker

Alas, that seems unlikely to happen soon.

The Economist

In the short term, that seems unlikely.

The Economist

In the Middle East that seems unlikely.

The Economist

At this point, that seems unlikely.

The New York Times

At the moment, that seems unlikely.

The Economist

Perhaps that nickname will stick, though that seems unlikely.

The New York Times - Sports

Under the current electoral arithmetic, that seems unlikely.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

But by Saturday afternoon, that seemed unlikely.

The New York Times

There are many details that seem unlikely or unverifiable.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using this phrase, ensure the context is clear. Briefly explain why something seems unlikely to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "that seems unlikely" excessively in close succession; vary your phrasing to maintain reader engagement and prevent your writing from sounding monotonous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that seems unlikely" functions as an evaluative statement, expressing a judgment about the probability of a particular event or situation. Ludwig examples show it's often used to politely convey disagreement or skepticism.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "that seems unlikely" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression for voicing doubt or skepticism. Ludwig's AI analysis confirms its correctness and utility. It finds its primary application within News & Media, presenting a neutral register suitable for various professional contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clear context to effectively communicate the reasons behind your skepticism. While it is a valuable tool for expressing reservations, it’s also good practice to diversify your phrasing to avoid monotony and prevent overuse of passive voice in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that appears improbable

Focuses on the lack of probability, highlighting a more formal tone.

that doesn't seem plausible

Emphasizes the lack of believability or credibility.

that's hardly believable

Highlights the difficulty in accepting something as true.

it's doubtful that will happen

Shifts the focus to the uncertainty of a future event.

i wouldn't bet on that

Expresses skepticism with a more casual and idiomatic tone.

that's a long shot

Indicates a low probability of success or occurrence.

i doubt that's the case

Directly expresses doubt about the validity of a situation.

it is improbable

States improbability directly and formally.

that's not very promising

Indicates a lack of positive expectation or potential.

chances are slim

Highlights the minimal possibility of something happening.

FAQs

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

You can use "that seems unlikely" to express doubt or disbelief about a situation. For example, "The company claims they'll double profits next quarter, but "that seems unlikely" given the current market conditions."

What's a more formal way to say "that seems unlikely"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "that appears improbable" or "that doesn't seem plausible". These options convey a similar meaning but are suitable for professional or academic contexts.

Is "that seems unlikely" always negative?

Yes, "that seems unlikely" generally carries a negative connotation, implying doubt or disbelief. However, the degree of negativity can vary based on context and tone. It's often used to express skepticism without being overly critical.

What can I say instead of "that seems unlikely" in a casual conversation?

In casual conversation, you might use phrases like "I wouldn't bet on that" or "that's a long shot" to express similar skepticism in a more relaxed manner.