though improbable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "though improbable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a contrast or to acknowledge that something is unlikely while still considering it. Example: "The team decided to pursue the project, though improbable, as they believed it could lead to groundbreaking discoveries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Many fans say Reva's strenuous though improbable journey inspired them to be better people.

The New York Times - Arts

It is possible, though improbable, that the security researchers who exposed this flaw were, in fact, the first people to find it, which would mean that it has only been known about, and exploited, for a few days.

The New Yorker

As with all probability events, it is possible, though improbable, to have multiple "1 in 100 Year Storms" in a single year.

Wikipedia

Even though Improbable has won at a mile, it was at Churchill Downs, where the mile is a one-turn race.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

A few hours later, though, an improbable circumstance intruded.

The New York Times - Sports

On the hike to Harney Peak — which can be reached by a half-dozen different trails — routes detour to show off wonders like the Cathedral Spires, a group of granite spikes designated a National Natural Landmark though improbable-looking enough that they could have been drawn by Dr. Seuss.

The New York Times - Travel

With no current incentives for purchasing green cars, though, it is improbable many residents will be able or inclined to shell out the projected 1.2m rupee ($20,000) purchase price.

BBC

Quickly, though, that already improbable scenario has spiraled up and out and round about.

Vice

Not three vocations that ordinarily inhere in one man (though some improbable combination of Audubon and Indiana Jones might cover it) and not the full tally of Dion's occupations, either.

The New York Times

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

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "though improbable" to introduce a surprising or unexpected element in your writing, adding nuance to a statement that might otherwise seem straightforward.

Common error

While "though improbable" is grammatically sound, overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive or overly formal. Vary your sentence structure and word choice by using alternatives like "although unlikely" or "even if improbable" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "though improbable" functions as an adverbial modifier, providing a contrasting element to a statement. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct, often used to introduce a concession or unexpected aspect. For example: 'Many fans say Reva's strenuous though improbable journey inspired them to be better people.'

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Though improbable" is a grammatically correct phrase used to introduce a concession or unexpected element into a statement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical validity, though its relative infrequency suggests it is not the most common way to express this idea. While "though improbable" is considered rare, appearing mostly in news, media and wikis it is useful for adding nuance, honesty, and thoroughness to writing, especially in professional contexts. Alternatives include "albeit unlikely" and "although unlikely". Overusing the phrase can make writing sound repetitive or overly formal, so it's important to vary sentence structure and word choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

albeit improbable

Replaces "though" with "albeit", maintaining the concessive meaning but with a slightly more formal tone.

although unlikely

Substitutes "improbable" with "unlikely", offering a simpler and more common alternative.

even if improbable

Emphasizes the hypothetical nature of the situation despite its improbability.

while improbable

Uses "while" to introduce a contrast, similar to "though", but may imply a slightly stronger opposition.

improbable as it may seem

Inverts the structure for emphasis, highlighting the surprising nature of the improbability.

despite its improbability

Uses a prepositional phrase to express the contrast, suitable for more formal contexts.

notwithstanding its improbability

A more formal and emphatic way of saying "despite its improbability".

however improbable

Similar to "though improbable" but places more emphasis on the improbability itself.

improbable though it is

Inverts the clause for emphasis, highlighting the improbability as a known fact.

even though it's improbable

A more explicit and less concise way of expressing the same idea.

FAQs

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

You can use "though improbable" to introduce a contrasting element or to acknowledge the unlikelihood of something while still considering it, like in the sentence, "The team decided to pursue the project, "though improbable", as they believed it could lead to groundbreaking discoveries."

What are some alternatives to saying "though improbable"?

You can use alternatives such as "albeit unlikely", "although unlikely", or "even if improbable" depending on the specific context.

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

Both ""though improbable"" and "although improbable" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice often depends on personal preference or the desired tone of the writing.

What's the difference between "though improbable" and "improbable though it may seem"?

"Though improbable" is a more straightforward construction, while "improbable though it may seem" emphasizes the surprising nature of the statement. The latter is often used to highlight something unexpected or counterintuitive.