very probable

USAGE SUMMARY

"very probable" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that an event is likely to happen or that a statement is likely to be true. For example, "Given the current evidence, it is very probable that the suspect will be found guilty of the crime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That is very probable.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The answer is a very probable no.

The New York Times

It's not very probable right now".

The New York Times

And the answer, unfortunately, is: not very probable.

MIT Technology Review

Jordan Henderson is very probable, as is Raheem Sterling and, in all likelihood, Frank Lampard.

The Guardian - Sport

"It is a very probable hypothesis," Mr. Cuomo told the Corriere della Sera.

The New York Times

"Paul is fine and it is very probable that he will start," Allegri said.

The Guardian - Sport

But Erpenbeck's last-minute rescues are wistful rather than very probable.

The New Yorker

Spain, Costa Rica and Nigeria had outcomes that were not very probable.

The Economist

It is very probable that Paul spread the gospel in this way.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

(Very probable/ Fairly probable/Doubtful/Unlikely/Highly unlikely).

BMC Public Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "very probable" to express a strong likelihood based on available evidence, but avoid overusing it in formal contexts where more precise language may be preferred.

Common error

Avoid using "very probable" when the situation warrants a more cautious assessment. If the evidence is weak, consider using terms like "possible" or "potentially" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very probable" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a high degree of likelihood or possibility. As supported by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very probable" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express a high degree of likelihood or possibility. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage. It's suitable for various contexts, from news reports and academic discussions to everyday conversations. While versatile, it's important to consider the specific situation and avoid overstating certainty when using this phrase. Alternatives like ""highly likely"" or ""most likely"" can be used for nuanced expressions of probability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highly likely

Indicates a strong chance of something happening, similar to "very probable" but often used in more formal contexts.

quite likely

Suggests a good chance of something occurring, with a slightly less forceful tone than "very probable".

most likely

Implies that something is more probable than other possibilities; shares a similar degree of certainty with "very probable".

likely to happen

A more verbose way of expressing a high probability, suitable for situations where clarity is prioritized.

almost certain

Indicates an extremely high degree of probability, bordering on certainty, and stronger than "very probable".

reasonably probable

Suggests a probability that is justifiable based on available information, adding an element of logical support.

highly possible

Emphasizes that something could easily occur, focusing on potential rather than statistical chance.

good chance

An informal way of conveying that something is likely to happen, typically used in conversational settings.

plausible

Implies that something is believable or credible, making it likely to be true or to occur.

conceivable

Suggests that something is capable of being imagined or understood, thereby making its occurrence possible.

FAQs

How can I use "very probable" in a sentence?

You can use "very probable" to express a strong likelihood or expectation. For example, "It is "very probable" that the meeting will be postponed due to the weather".

What are some alternatives to saying "very probable"?

Alternatives to "very probable" include "highly likely", "quite likely", or "most likely", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "very probable" and "probable"?

"Very probable" indicates a higher degree of likelihood than simply "probable". Using "very" intensifies the probability, suggesting a stronger expectation.

When should I use "very probable" instead of "certain"?

Use "very probable" when there is a high degree of likelihood but not absolute certainty. "Certain" implies a complete lack of doubt, whereas "very probable" acknowledges a small possibility of an alternative outcome.