whether it is probable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "whether it is probable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the likelihood or possibility of a certain event or outcome occurring. Example: "The researchers are investigating whether it is probable that the new treatment will improve patient outcomes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The head of baggage handling at Malta had testified that this was theoretically possible, Mr. Campbell said, though he had hedged, saying, "Whether it is probable is a different story".

The New York Times

Whether it is probable, however, is simply not possible to know.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Although Cashman would not comment on whether the twist involved money, it is probable that Minaya asked the Yankees to pay Hernández's salary for next season.

The New York Times - Sports

For example, whether observational evidence argues for a theoretical claim might be thought to depend upon whether it is more probable (and if so how much more probable) than its denial conditional on a description of the evidence together with background beliefs, including theoretical commitments.

SEP

It is probable that it has an animal source, but whether it spreads from contaminated food or something else in the environment is unknown.

BBC

It is probable that this initial misstep will be repeated.

The New York Times

It is probable that neither has made up his mind.

The New Yorker

If you really ask commentators off the air whether they really think it's probable that Herman Cain even before these allegations would be president...they would tell you no, so why are we obsessing about it?" She also suggested that, despite performing weakly in recent polls, Jon Hunstman could end up proving a viable choice for the nomination.

Huffington Post

"It's probable," he replies.

The New York Times

In fact, it's probable".

Huffington Post

It asks whether it is evidently probable that something absolutely uncausable is only one in number.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "whether it is probable", ensure the context clearly defines the parameters influencing the probability. This adds precision and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "whether it is probable" when the outcome is already known or highly certain. The phrase is best suited for situations involving genuine uncertainty and varying degrees of likelihood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "whether it is probable" functions as a subordinate clause introducing a condition or uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms this usage and the examples illustrate how it sets up a question of likelihood.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "whether it is probable" is a grammatically correct phrase used to inquire about the likelihood of an event. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical validity. While relatively rare, it's most commonly found in news media and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to define the influencing factors to avoid ambiguity. More common and simple synonyms are "if it is likely" or "if there is a good chance", but depending on the kind of context this would result inappropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if it is likely

Replaces "probable" with a more common synonym, reducing formality slightly.

if it's plausible

Substitutes "probable" with "plausible", suggesting believability rather than strict probability.

if it has a high likelihood

Replaces "probable" with "high likelihood", maintaining a formal tone while being more explicit.

if it is conceivable

Replaces "probable" with "conceivable", focusing on whether something is imaginable or possible.

if it is to be expected

Shifts the focus to anticipation and expectation rather than a calculated probability.

if there is a good chance

Uses a more colloquial expression to convey a strong likelihood.

if the odds are good

Employs a gambling metaphor to suggest favorable circumstances for something to occur.

whether the odds favor it

Similar to the previous phrase, but structured as a question of favorable odds.

whether it is within the realm of possibility

Broadens the scope to include anything that isn't impossible, making it less specific than "probable".

if it is a realistic expectation

Highlights the practicality and realism of an anticipated event.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "whether it is probable" in simpler terms?

You can use phrases like "if it is likely", "if there is a good chance", or "if it seems likely" for a less formal tone.

Is there a difference between "whether it is probable" and "whether it is possible"?

"Whether it is probable" suggests a higher degree of likelihood than "whether it is possible". Something possible may have a very low chance of occurring, while something probable is more likely to happen. "Whether it is possible" simply indicates something is not impossible.

In what contexts is "whether it is probable" most appropriate?

The phrase "whether it is probable" is best used in situations where you are evaluating the likelihood of an event occurring, often based on available evidence or analysis. This is common in scientific, analytical and journalistic contexts.

Are there more formal alternatives to "whether it is probable"?

Yes, more formal alternatives include "if it has a high likelihood", "if the probability is high", or "if it is highly likely". These options maintain a formal tone suitable for academic or professional writing.