this sounds unlikely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this sounds unlikely" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing doubt or skepticism about a statement or situation. Example: "While I appreciate your perspective, I must say that this sounds unlikely given the evidence we have."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

This sounds unlikely.

The Economist

This sounds unlikely, but on we go.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

If this sounds unlikely, it's because it almost certainly is.

The New York Times

This sounds unlikely, but Gunaratna, who was familiar with the structure of the Al Farooq camp, found Lindh's claims plausible.

The New Yorker

(If this sounds unlikely, bear in mind that Mr. Boivin, a French choreographer who trained with Alwin Nikolais, managed some years ago to condense the history of dance into a funny and pertinent hourlong show, "Dance, a History My Way").

The New York Times

If this sounds unlikely or far-fetched, that's because it is.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

If that sounds unlikely, look no further than Anya Hindmarch's current season Boots Boots.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If that sounds unlikely, it's because cartoons didn't always mean Pokemon and Disney.

The New York Times - Arts

If that sounds unlikely, well, it just might work.

TechCrunch

Although it sounds unlikely, this process of randomize and reconstruct produces a tighter focus than simply focusing the light with a traditional lens.

Science Magazine

It sounds unlikely, but this collaboration with Deborah Warner, adapted from Colm Tóibín's 2013 Booker prize shortlisted novel, was a hit on Broadway last year.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this sounds unlikely" when you want to express mild skepticism without being overtly critical. It's a polite way to suggest something might not be true or feasible.

Common error

While acceptable in many situations, "this sounds unlikely" might be too informal for academic papers or high-level business reports. Opt for more formal alternatives like "this appears improbable" or "this raises doubts" in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this sounds unlikely" functions as a commentary on a preceding statement. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It expresses a degree of skepticism or doubt about the veracity or feasibility of something.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

13%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this sounds unlikely" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express polite skepticism or doubt. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to informal contexts like news articles and blogs. For more formal or academic writing, consider alternatives such as "this seems improbable" or "this appears doubtful". Keep in mind that overuse in formal settings can detract from professionalism. Ludwig examples highlight its usage across various domains, predominantly in News & Media, where the phrase is used to question the feasibility of events and statements. While the phrase is useful for expressing doubt, it is important to consider the audience and the context to determine if it is the most appropriate choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that seems improbable

Emphasizes the lack of probability of something.

that appears doubtful

Highlights the uncertainty or dubiousness of a situation.

that rings false

Suggests that something doesn't seem truthful or genuine.

that's hard to believe

Expresses difficulty in accepting something as true.

that's questionable

Indicates that something is open to doubt or challenge.

that's a stretch

Implies that something is an exaggeration or unlikely.

that's far-fetched

Suggests something is improbable and difficult to accept.

that's implausible

Highlights the lack of plausibility in a situation.

I doubt that

A direct expression of doubt.

I'm skeptical of that

Expresses a cautious or questioning attitude.

FAQs

How can I use "this sounds unlikely" in a sentence?

Use "this sounds unlikely" to express doubt or mild disbelief about a statement. For example, "He claims he can finish the project in a week, but "this sounds unlikely" given the complexity of the task."

What phrases are similar to "this sounds unlikely"?

Alternatives include "this seems improbable", "this appears doubtful", or "that rings false" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "this sounds unlikely"?

"This sounds unlikely" is suitable for expressing polite disagreement or skepticism in everyday conversation and writing. It's less appropriate for very formal or academic contexts.

Is there a more formal way to say "this sounds unlikely"?

Yes, more formal alternatives include phrases like "this seems improbable", "this appears questionable", or "the veracity of this claim is doubtful".