very probably

USAGE SUMMARY

"very probably" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to introduce a degree of certainty to a statement or opinion. For example: "That new restaurant is very probably going to be a huge success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Very probably.

The New York Times

Very, probably.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Very probably not.

The Economist

And he very probably is.

Independent

He was very probably right.

The Guardian - Music

"Very probably?" Martin said, mishearing.

The New Yorker

PUHL: That very probably is so, yes.

Yale University

Theresa May will – very probably – not resign.

The Telegraph

And very probably about to get better.

The Guardian - Music

I think very probably they are correct".

The New York Times

So something very probably has to give for the Republicans.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "very probably" to express a strong degree of likelihood, suitable for situations where you have good reason to believe something is true but cannot be completely certain.

Common error

Avoid using "very probably" when you have definitive proof or evidence; in such cases, use more assertive language like "certainly" or "undoubtedly" to accurately reflect the level of certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very probably" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifying the degree of likelihood associated with a statement. It modifies verbs or entire clauses, indicating a high probability. Ludwig provides several examples demonstrating this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

21%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very probably" is a frequently used adverbial phrase that expresses a strong degree of likelihood. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news media, academic writing, and scientific publications. While similar to phrases like "most likely" and "highly likely", it maintains a slightly more formal tone. When using "very probably", ensure it aligns with the level of certainty you intend to convey, avoiding its use when definitive proof exists. Overall, "very probably" serves as a valuable tool for expressing well-founded expectations in a clear and professional manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quite likely

Indicates a high degree of likelihood, similar to "very probably", but may suggest a slightly lower level of certainty.

highly likely

Synonymous with "very probably", but uses a different adjective to convey the same meaning of high probability.

most likely

Emphasizes the highest probability among several possibilities, whereas "very probably" simply states a high degree of likelihood.

almost certainly

Suggests a near certainty, stronger than "very probably".

in all likelihood

A more formal way of expressing high probability, suitable for academic or professional contexts.

very possibly

Expresses a degree of probability, though slightly weaker than "very probably", implying something could happen.

presumably

Indicates that something is likely based on assumption or evidence, but with room for doubt.

it stands to reason

Suggests that something is logical or expected based on the circumstances, implying a high degree of probability.

chances are

An informal way to express that something is likely to happen.

it is to be expected

Implies that something is likely because it aligns with expectations or past trends.

FAQs

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

You can use "very probably" to express a strong likelihood or expectation. For instance, "The meeting will "very probably" be delayed due to the weather".

What are some alternatives to "very probably"?

Alternatives to "very probably" include "quite likely", "most likely", or "highly likely". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

"Very probably" indicates a stronger degree of likelihood compared to simply using "probably". It suggests a higher level of confidence in the outcome.

When is it inappropriate to use "very probably"?

It's best to avoid "very probably" when you have absolute certainty about something. In those cases, stronger terms like "certainly" or "definitely" are more appropriate.