the most probable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the most probable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is the most likely to happen or be true. For example: "The most probable outcome of this situation is a win for our team."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But that looks like the most probable outcome.

The Guardian - Opinion

They list scary and rare diagnoses alongside the most probable.

The Guardian - Opinion

We'd go from the most probable to the least probable".

The New York Times - Science

Israel's border with Lebanon is the most probable flashpoint.

The Economist

Yet more QE now seems the most probable policy response.

The Economist

But he said the plan represents the "most probable" level under current assumptions.

The New York Times

The most probable hypothesis is that it was turned off inadvertently".

The New York Times

Two old-timers, Hugh Duffy and Willie Keeler, are the most probable record holders.

The New York Times

The resulting ensembles of possible outcomes, when averaged, point to the most probable future.

The New York Times - Science

(c) The most probable option is κ1.

EURASIP Journal on Information Security

The most probable stages in that mechanism are as follows.

Combustion and Flame

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In scientific and analytical writing, support your claim of "the most probable" with data or reasoning to enhance credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "the most probable" when you mean "a possible" outcome. "Probable" suggests a higher degree of likelihood compared to other options, while "possible" simply indicates that something could happen.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the most probable" functions as a determiner phrase that modifies a noun, indicating the highest likelihood or chance among various possibilities. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, aligning with its frequent appearance in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

0.5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the most probable" is a versatile phrase used to denote the highest likelihood among potential outcomes. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used in both scientific and journalistic contexts. When using the phrase, ensure you're conveying likelihood, not just possibility, and be prepared to back up your assertion with evidence or reasoning. While "the most probable" is generally interchangeable with terms like "the most likely" or "the most plausible", its formal tone often makes it particularly fitting for analytical or scientific writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the likeliest

Emphasizes likelihood, often used interchangeably but can imply a slightly less formal tone.

the most likely

Direct synonym focusing on the chance of something occurring.

the highest probability

More technical or statistical, emphasizing the quantifiable aspect of probability.

the most plausible

Highlights the believability or apparent truth of a possibility.

the leading possibility

Implies that this option is ahead of others under consideration.

the odds-on favorite

More informal, typically used when discussing predictions or contests where there's a clear frontrunner.

the predominant chance

Suggests a dominant probability, stronger than just 'likely'.

the most predictable

Focuses on the ability to foresee an outcome based on available information.

the surest bet

An idiomatic expression indicating a high degree of confidence in a specific outcome.

the greatest prospect

Focuses on future potential rather than just current likelihood.

FAQs

How can I use "the most probable" in a sentence?

Use "the most probable" to indicate the outcome or explanation that is most likely to occur or be true. For example, "The most probable cause of the malfunction was a software error."

What are some alternatives to "the most probable"?

You can use alternatives like "the most likely", "the most plausible", or "the likeliest" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "most probable" or "most likely"?

Both phrases are generally interchangeable. "Most likely" might sound slightly more informal and common in everyday speech, while "most probable" can be more formal, especially in scientific or analytical contexts.

What's the difference between "probable" and "possible"?

"Possible" means something could happen or be true, while "probable" means it is likely to happen or be true. "The most probable" indicates the highest likelihood among several possibilities.