In all probability
Hedging expression to soften claims
Use `in all probability` when you want to sound certain but leave room for error.
15秒了解
- A sophisticated way to say 'most likely' or 'probably'.
- Used to soften claims and avoid sounding too aggressive.
- Perfect for professional settings or intellectual discussions.
- Indicates about 80-90% certainty regarding an outcome.
意思
This phrase is a fancy way of saying 'most likely' or 'probably.' It helps you sound more certain than 'maybe' but avoids making a 100% promise.
关键例句
3 / 6Discussing a flight delay
In all probability, the flight will be delayed due to the storm.
Most likely, the flight will be late because of the storm.
Predicting a sports game outcome
In all probability, they'll win the trophy this year.
They will probably win the trophy this year.
A boss updating a team
We will, in all probability, reach our targets by Friday.
We will likely hit our goals by Friday.
文化背景
This phrase reflects the Anglo-Saxon cultural preference for 'understatement' and caution. It became popular during the Age of Enlightenment when people started valuing statistical thinking over pure fate. Today, it is a staple of 'corporate-speak' used to avoid over-promising in business settings.
The 'Middle' Trick
Put the phrase between the subject and the verb to sound like a sophisticated narrator in a movie.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this in every sentence, you will sound like a lawyer trying to hide something. Use it once per conversation.
15秒了解
- A sophisticated way to say 'most likely' or 'probably'.
- Used to soften claims and avoid sounding too aggressive.
- Perfect for professional settings or intellectual discussions.
- Indicates about 80-90% certainty regarding an outcome.
What It Means
In all probability is a high-level hedging phrase. It suggests that something is very likely to happen. You are looking at the evidence. You are making a smart guess. It feels more weighted than a simple probably. It implies you have thought about the situation. Use it when you are 80-90% sure about something. It is the linguistic equivalent of a confident shrug.
How To Use It
You usually place it at the start of a sentence. This sets the tone for your claim. You can also drop it in the middle. Try: "The meeting will, in all probability, be canceled." It acts like a soft cushion for your statement. It protects you if you end up being wrong. If the meeting isn't canceled, you didn't lie. You just stated the most likely outcome. It sounds sophisticated and thoughtful.
When To Use It
Use it in professional emails to manage expectations. It is great for weather forecasts or project deadlines. Use it when talking to your landlord about repairs. It works well when discussing sports results with friends. "In all probability, they will lose the final." It adds a touch of intellectual flair to your speech. It makes you sound like a person who weighs their options carefully.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid it in high-stakes emotional moments. Don't say it during a marriage proposal. "In all probability, I will love you forever" is a mood killer. Do not use it for absolute facts. "In all probability, the sun will rise" sounds robotic. It is too wordy for a fast-paced emergency. If the kitchen is on fire, don't hedge. Just yell "Fire!" instead of discussing probabilities.
Cultural Background
English speakers, especially in the UK and US, love hedging. We often avoid being too direct or blunt. It is a politeness strategy called 'negative face.' We don't want to impose our views as absolute truths. This phrase emerged from 18th-century formal logic and legal writing. Over time, it moved into educated everyday speech. It reflects a culture that values data and cautious optimism.
Common Variations
You might hear in all likelihood as a twin phrase. They are almost interchangeable. Most likely is the casual younger brother. Chances are is the more relaxed, conversational cousin. If you want to be very formal, use it is highly probable that. Stick to in all probability for that perfect middle ground. It sounds smart without trying too hard.
使用说明
This phrase is a 'marker of stance.' It tells the listener that you are making an educated guess. It is most common in written English or formal spoken English (like a speech or a news report).
The 'Middle' Trick
Put the phrase between the subject and the verb to sound like a sophisticated narrator in a movie.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this in every sentence, you will sound like a lawyer trying to hide something. Use it once per conversation.
The British Hedge
British speakers often use this to be polite when they are actually 100% sure, just to avoid sounding 'bossy'.
例句
6In all probability, the flight will be delayed due to the storm.
Most likely, the flight will be late because of the storm.
Used here to predict an event based on external evidence.
In all probability, they'll win the trophy this year.
They will probably win the trophy this year.
Adds a sense of expert opinion to a casual prediction.
We will, in all probability, reach our targets by Friday.
We will likely hit our goals by Friday.
Placed in the middle of the sentence for emphasis.
In all probability, I'll be late to the party tonight!
I'll probably be late tonight.
A bit dramatic and humorous for a casual text.
In all probability, he will make a full recovery soon.
He will most likely get better soon.
Provides comfort while remaining medically realistic.
In all probability, I left my keys on the kitchen counter.
I probably left my keys on the counter.
Used to express a logical realization.
自我测试
Choose the best phrase to complete the sentence for a professional report.
___, the market will stabilize in the third quarter.
While 'Maybe' works, 'In all probability' is more formal and suggests a higher level of certainty.
Where is the most natural place to insert the phrase in this sentence?
The project ___ will be finished on time.
The phrase can be used as a parenthetical expression in the middle of a sentence.
🎉 得分： /2
视觉学习工具
Formality of Likelihood Phrases
Used with close friends.
Probably.
Standard everyday use.
Most likely.
Professional and academic.
In all probability.
Legal or scientific papers.
It is highly probable that...
Where to use 'In all probability'
Work Email
In all probability, the report is ready.
Weather Forecast
In all probability, it will snow.
Giving Advice
In all probability, you should wait.
Speculating
In all probability, he forgot.
常见问题
10 个问题Yes, but it is more formal. Use probably with friends and in all probability in a business presentation.
It is rare. It usually goes at the beginning or in the middle, like The plan will, in all probability, work.
No, it means about 80-90%. It leaves a small window open for the possibility that things might change.
They are equal. In all likelihood is slightly more common in modern speech, but both are perfectly C1-level.
You can, but it might sound a bit sarcastic or overly dramatic unless you are discussing something serious.
Absolutely. It is a great way to present a hypothesis without claiming it is an absolute law.
Adding 'the' before probability. Never say in all the probability. It is always just in all probability.
A little bit, but in a 'classic' and 'educated' way rather than an 'obsolete' way.
Flow through it quickly. Don't pause between the words. It should sound like one long word: in-all-prob-a-bil-ity.
The shorter version is simply probably. Use the long version only when you want to add weight to your words.
相关表达
In all likelihood
Almost identical in meaning and formality.
Chances are
A more casual way to say something is likely.
Beyond a shadow of a doubt
Used when you are 100% certain (the opposite of hedging).
As far as I can tell
Another way to hedge based on your personal observation.
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