though highly improbable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "though highly improbable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a statement that acknowledges the unlikelihood of a situation while still considering it as a possibility. Example: "The team decided to pursue the project, though highly improbable, it could lead to groundbreaking discoveries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Though highly improbable, Moffatt agreed this would have to be part of a post-carbon economy, where oil sands have been closed down almost entirely.

Vice

It's even possible, though highly improbable, that Lennon and McCartney caliber geniuses could find each other, collaborate, and deliver their product to a mass market.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

And though it is highly improbable that she could remember everything that was said verbatim, what appears in the book seems plausible.

The Washington Post

Bradbury himself deplored and disowned this application of his story, and the producers of the television serial, as if nervously anticipating such a reaction, appended a footnote to the credits at the end of the last episode: "Howard Kirk voted Conservative in the General Election of 1979", though this seems highly improbable.

The Guardian - Books

Even if the legislature fails to pass a bill this session, the governor could call yet another special session (though that seems highly improbable).

Vice

Perhaps, though it is highly improbable, and even if it did, all of these nations have been fairly responsible and are certainly much less dangerous than other aspiring nuclear powers, such as Iran or North Korea.

Huffington Post

Without (highly improbable) structural change, though, this could turn out to be little more than putting lipstick on a pig.

The Economist

So a virgin birth is scientifically possible, though it's so highly improbable that most scientists don't put much stock in the idea.

Vice

The ADF is highly capable of defeating direct attacks on Australia by conventional forces, though such attacks are highly improbable at present.

Wikipedia

That would dispense with the need for a run-off in two weeks time (though most pundits judge this highly improbable).

The Economist

Britain's euro skeptics are also blunt in their criticism of the bloc's agricultural, fisheries and regional aid programs Many would ideally like to keep just one element of European Union membership, access to the single market, though achieving such status looks highly improbable.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "though highly improbable" to acknowledge the unlikelihood of an event while still considering it a possibility. This adds nuance and demonstrates a balanced perspective.

Common error

While "though highly improbable" is grammatically sound, avoid overusing such complex phrases in informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "although unlikely" can often convey the same meaning more effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "though highly improbable" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a clause. It introduces a concession, acknowledging the unlikelihood of a situation while not dismissing it entirely. It is correct and usable in written English according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "though highly improbable" serves as an adverbial phrase that introduces a degree of uncertainty while still considering a particular possibility. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and best suited for neutral to formal contexts, particularly within news and media. Although the frequency is Uncommon, it adds a layer of nuanced concession to writing. When a simpler construction is warranted, alternatives such as "albeit unlikely" may be preferred.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

although quite unlikely

Replaces "highly improbable" with "quite unlikely", modifying the degree of improbability.

even if unlikely

A more concise version, emphasizing the conditionality despite the improbability.

despite its unlikelihood

Focuses on proceeding regardless of the improbable nature of the event.

while seemingly impossible

Highlights the contrast between appearance and possibility.

however remote the chance

Emphasizes the minimal possibility of something occurring.

even if it's a long shot

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey the improbability.

though against all odds

Suggests that success is possible despite very unfavorable circumstances.

albeit against the odds

Similar to "though against all odds" but using a more formal conjunction.

notwithstanding its improbability

A formal way of saying despite its unlikelihood.

while recognizing its slim chances

Acknowledges that the chances of success are very low.

FAQs

What does "though highly improbable" mean?

The phrase "though highly improbable" means that something is unlikely to happen or be true, but it is still possible.

How can I use "though highly improbable" in a sentence?

You can use it to introduce a statement that acknowledges the unlikelihood of something, for example: "The team decided to proceed with the project, "though highly improbable", it could lead to groundbreaking discoveries."

What are some alternatives to "though highly improbable"?

You can use alternatives like "albeit unlikely", "even if unlikely", or "despite its unlikelihood".

Is it better to say "though highly improbable" or "although highly improbable"?

Both "though highly improbable" and "although highly improbable" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. "Though" is generally considered slightly less formal than "although".