while not probable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "while not probable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a condition or situation that is unlikely to happen but still possible. Example: "While not probable, there is a chance that the event could occur under certain circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

While still not probable, given the motor skills challenges, emotional regulation needed, and the peer relations required of team sports, the odds for athletic achievement in spectrumfolk are rising as society continues to become more behaviorally pluralistic.

Huffington Post

His defeat suddenly seemed possible, if not probable.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Running while black is not probable cause," he said.

BBC

While it is not probable that a globally most likely tree was ever found, the greatest log-likelihoods were similar among runs within each number of allowed mismatches.

BMC Genomics

And while this was not impossible, it clearly was not probable in such a tightly controlled police state.

Harvard Business Review

Possible, but not probable.

The Economist

Possible but not probable.

The Guardian

Not probable, though.

The Washington Post

"It's not probable".

The New York Times - Sports

Not probable, perhaps, but possible.

The New York Times - Tech

The technology is possible, but not probable".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "while not probable" to introduce a less likely scenario or condition. This acknowledges the possibility but emphasizes its unlikelihood. For instance, "While not probable, a sudden market shift could impact our investments."

Common error

Avoid using "while not probable" in every situation where something is unlikely. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider using synonyms like "although unlikely" or "though improbable" to add variety and maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "while not probable" functions as an adverbial phrase introducing a contrasting element. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and used to acknowledge a possibility, however slight, alongside a more likely scenario. Examples from various sources show its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "while not probable" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to acknowledge a possibility while emphasizing its unlikelihood. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It is employed across various domains, including news, science, and business, to introduce contrasting scenarios or qualify statements. Though not very frequent, the phrase serves as a valuable tool for conveying nuance and balance in writing and speech. Consider alternatives like "although unlikely" or "though improbable" to avoid repetition and add variety to your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

although unlikely

Emphasizes the low likelihood of something happening.

though improbable

Highlights the lack of probability, similar to 'unlikely'.

even if unlikely

Introduces a condition that is improbable but still considered.

not very likely

A straightforward expression of low probability.

it's possible, but unlikely

Directly contrasts possibility with low probability.

conceivably, though improbable

Highlights the theoretical possibility while acknowledging improbability.

the odds are against it

Implies that the chances of something happening are low.

against all odds

Highlights that the chances of something happening are low.

though against the odds

Highlights that the chances of something happening are low.

it remains a long shot

Indicates a low probability of success.

FAQs

How can I use "while not probable" in a sentence?

Use "while not probable" to introduce a scenario that is possible, but has a low chance of occurring. For example, "While not probable, there's a chance that we might see snow next month."

What are some alternatives to "while not probable"?

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

Is "while not probable" grammatically correct?

Yes, "while not probable" is grammatically correct. It uses "while" as a subordinating conjunction to introduce a clause that contrasts with another idea.

What's the difference between "while not probable" and "not probable"?

"Not probable" simply states that something is unlikely. "While not probable" acknowledges the unlikelihood but implies a contrasting possibility or consideration, adding more nuance.