It is not improbable that
Hedging expression to soften claims
Literalmente: It is not [negative] improbable [not likely] that
Use this phrase to sound smart and cautious when you think something is likely but want an 'out'.
En 15 segundos
- A double negative meaning 'it is likely' or 'it could happen'.
- Used to sound cautious, professional, or intellectually sophisticated.
- Perfect for hedging bets and avoiding direct commitment.
Significado
This is a polite way of saying something is likely to happen without sounding too certain. It uses two negatives to create a soft, cautious 'maybe'.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Predicting weather during a hike
It is not improbable that we will see some snow at the summit.
It's quite likely we'll see snow at the top.
Discussing a business strategy
It is not improbable that our competitors will lower their prices soon.
Our competitors will probably lower their prices.
Texting a friend about a party
It is not improbable that I'll be late, knowing my luck with traffic.
I'll probably be late.
Contexto cultural
This expression is a prime example of English 'understatement,' a trait deeply rooted in British academic and diplomatic history. It became a staple of 'Orwellian' double-speak analysis, where writers use complex phrasing to avoid taking a hard stance. Today, it reflects a global professional culture that prizes nuance over bluntness.
The 'Double Negative' Trick
Think of 'not' and 'im-' (in improbable) as two minus signs in math. They cancel out to make a positive, but a 'softer' one than just saying 'Yes'.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this in every sentence, you'll sound like you're hiding something or trying too hard to be smart. Save it for one or two key points.
En 15 segundos
- A double negative meaning 'it is likely' or 'it could happen'.
- Used to sound cautious, professional, or intellectually sophisticated.
- Perfect for hedging bets and avoiding direct commitment.
What It Means
Think of this as a double negative that equals a positive. When you say it is not improbable, you are actually saying something is likely. However, you are being very careful. You are leaving a tiny bit of room for error. It is like saying 'I think so, but don't quote me on it.'
How To Use It
You place this phrase at the start of a sentence to set the mood. Follow it with a full clause starting with that. For example: It is not improbable that it will rain. It sounds much more sophisticated than just saying 'maybe.' It makes you sound like a cautious professor or a very careful lawyer.
When To Use It
Use this when you want to sound intellectual or objective. It is perfect for business meetings when you are predicting sales. Use it in academic writing to avoid looking overconfident. It is also great for being slightly mysterious or dryly funny with friends. If someone asks if you'll have another slice of pizza, this phrase adds a touch of class to your 'yes.'
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this if you need to be fast and direct. Do not use it in an emergency. If a building is on fire, don't say it is not improbable that we should leave. Just run! Also, avoid it in very casual texting unless you are being ironic. It can sound a bit 'stuck up' if used in the wrong crowd.
Cultural Background
This is a classic example of 'litotes.' That is a fancy Greek word for using negatives to express a positive. English speakers, especially in the UK, love this kind of understatement. It comes from a cultural desire to avoid being too loud or too aggressive with one's opinions. It is the linguistic equivalent of a shrug and a polite smile.
Common Variations
You might hear people say it is not unlikely or it is quite possible. Some might even say one cannot rule out the possibility that. These all serve the same purpose: protecting your ego in case you are wrong. It is the ultimate 'safety first' phrase for your social life.
Notas de uso
This phrase sits firmly in the formal register. Use it in writing or professional speech to sound nuanced, but be aware that in very casual settings, it can come across as ironic or slightly pretentious.
The 'Double Negative' Trick
Think of 'not' and 'im-' (in improbable) as two minus signs in math. They cancel out to make a positive, but a 'softer' one than just saying 'Yes'.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this in every sentence, you'll sound like you're hiding something or trying too hard to be smart. Save it for one or two key points.
The British Understatement
British people often use this to be polite. If a Brit says 'It's not improbable,' they often mean 'It's almost certain, but I'm being modest.'
Ejemplos
6It is not improbable that we will see some snow at the summit.
It's quite likely we'll see snow at the top.
Softens the prediction so nobody blames you if it stays sunny.
It is not improbable that our competitors will lower their prices soon.
Our competitors will probably lower their prices.
Sounds professional and analytical in a boardroom setting.
It is not improbable that I'll be late, knowing my luck with traffic.
I'll probably be late.
Uses formal language in a casual way to be funny.
It is not improbable that life exists on other planets in this galaxy.
Life likely exists on other planets.
Standard academic hedging to avoid making unproven claims.
It is not improbable that we will struggle at first, but we have each other.
We will likely struggle, but it's okay.
Honest but gentle way to address a future challenge.
It is not improbable that I will regret this chocolate cake later.
I'll probably regret this cake.
Self-deprecating humor using overly formal language.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the best word to complete the hedging expression.
It is not ___ that the project will be delayed by a week.
The phrase requires the adjective 'improbable' to create the double-negative 'not improbable' (meaning likely).
Complete the sentence to sound more cautious and formal.
___ that we will need more funding next year.
'It is not improbable' is the most formal and cautious choice for a professional prediction.
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Ayudas visuales
Formality of Likelihood
Short and direct
Probably.
Standard conversation
It's likely that...
Academic or Professional
It is not improbable that...
Where to use 'It is not improbable'
Scientific Paper
Hypothesizing results
Office Meeting
Predicting market trends
Sarcastic Joke
Admitting a bad habit
Legal Advice
Discussing possible outcomes
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasTechnically yes, but the feeling is different. Probable is confident, while not improbable is cautious and avoids 100% commitment.
Yes, it is common in American academic and legal circles, though it is often associated with a 'British' style of speaking.
Absolutely. It’s a great way to suggest a possibility without sounding like you are making a reckless guess. For example: It is not improbable that we will meet the deadline.
In this specific case, yes! This is a rhetorical device called litotes. It is used for emphasis or understatement rather than being a mistake.
The opposite would be it is highly unlikely or it is virtually impossible.
It is not impossible means something has a tiny chance (maybe 1%), while it is not improbable suggests a much higher chance (maybe 60-70%).
Usually, yes. It is almost always followed by a clause starting with that, such as It is not improbable that....
No, it is the opposite of slang. It is high-level, formal English (C1/C2 level).
Maybe is fine for friends, but it is not improbable shows you have considered the evidence and are making a reasoned judgment.
Yes! You can say It is not improbable that he forgot his keys. This means he probably forgot them.
Frases relacionadas
It is not unlikely
A slightly more common way to say something is probable.
There is a distinct possibility
A formal way to say something is very likely.
I wouldn't rule it out
An idiomatic way to say you think something might happen.
All things being equal
A phrase used when making a prediction based on current facts.
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