they probably

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they probably" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a likelihood or assumption about a situation or action involving a group of people. Example: "They probably forgot about the meeting since they haven't responded to any of the reminders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They probably never will.

The New York Times - Sports

They probably go outside.

The New Yorker

But they probably won't.

The Economist

They probably welcomed it".

The New York Times - Sports

They probably hate us.

The New York Times

They probably contributed some.

The Economist

They probably won't, though.

The New Yorker

Actually, they probably can.

The New York Times

They probably wouldn't.

The New York Times

But they probably aren't.

The New York Times

They probably aren't.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they probably", ensure that the pronoun "they" clearly refers to a specific group of people to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "They probably won't come", specify "The developers probably won't come".

Common error

Avoid using "they probably" when the referent of "they" is unclear or ambiguous. This can lead to confusion and weaken the clarity of your writing. Always make sure the antecedent of "they" is explicitly stated or easily understood from the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they probably" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or verb phrase. It indicates a degree of probability or likelihood regarding the action or state associated with the verb. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this usage is correct and frequent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they probably" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a likelihood or assumption, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to modify a verb, indicating a degree of certainty about an action or situation. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic or professional settings. It is frequently found in news and media sources, but also appears in encyclopedias and wikis. When using the phrase, clarity is key; ensure the pronoun "they" has a clear and unambiguous referent to avoid confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

They likely

Replaces "probably" with "likely", which is a more formal synonym expressing a similar degree of probability.

In all likelihood, they

A more emphatic way of saying "probably", stressing the high degree of probability.

It's probable that they

Introduces a more formal structure using "probable" to indicate a high likelihood.

Presumably, they

Indicates that something is likely based on assumptions or available evidence.

They may well

Uses "may well" to express a reasonable expectation or possibility.

They are apt to

Uses "apt to" to suggest a natural tendency or inclination towards something.

They are inclined to

Similar to "apt to", but emphasizes a predisposition or willingness.

Chances are they

An informal way to express a strong possibility.

It is expected that they

Suggests an anticipation or expectation based on prior knowledge or circumstances.

It can be assumed that they

Highlights the act of making an assumption based on current information.

FAQs

How can I use "they probably" in a sentence?

Use "they probably" to express an assumption or likelihood about a group of people. For instance, "If they haven't called, "they probably forgot"" suggests a likely reason for their lack of communication.

What are some alternatives to saying "they probably"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "they likely", "it is probable that they", or "chances are they", which offer similar meanings with slight variations in formality or emphasis.

Is it always appropriate to use "they probably" in formal writing?

While "they probably" is generally acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "it is likely that they" or "presumably they" in academic or professional contexts to maintain a higher level of formality.

What's the difference between "they probably will" and "they will probably"?

Both phrases convey the same meaning, but the placement of "probably" can subtly shift the emphasis. "They probably will" focuses more on the likelihood, while "they will probably" can sometimes emphasize the action itself, though the difference is often negligible.