من المحتمل بدرجة كبيرة
min al-muhtamal bidaraja kabira
It is highly probable
Literally: From the possible with a large degree
In 15 Seconds
- Indicates a very high probability of an event.
- Best suited for professional, academic, or journalistic contexts.
- Followed by 'أن' to introduce a clause or prediction.
Meaning
This phrase is the Arabic equivalent of saying 'there is a very high chance' of something happening. It sounds sophisticated and precise, like you have carefully weighed the odds.
Key Examples
3 of 6A meteorologist giving a weather update
من المحتمل بدرجة كبيرة أن تسقط الأمطار الليلة.
It is highly probable that rain will fall tonight.
A manager discussing a business deal
من المحتمل بدرجة كبيرة أن نوقع العقد الأسبوع القادم.
It is highly probable that we will sign the contract next week.
Texting a friend about being late (using formal language for a joke)
من المحتمل بدرجة كبيرة أن أتأخر عشر دقائق.
It is highly probable that I will be ten minutes late.
Cultural Background
In professional environments, this phrase is used to avoid the perceived 'vagueness' of 'Insha'Allah' when dealing with international partners or technical data. In the Levant, people might use 'bi-shakl kabir' more often in speech, but 'bi-daraja kabira' remains the gold standard for written reports. In Gulf media (like Al Arabiya), this phrase is ubiquitous in economic reporting regarding oil prices and market stability. Egyptian formal discourse (legal and academic) uses this phrase strictly. In daily life, an Egyptian might say 'غالباً' (ghaliban) instead.
Use with 'An'
Always remember that 'an' (أن) is the bridge to the verb. Without it, the sentence falls apart.
Don't over-use
If you use this in every sentence, you will sound like a robot or a politician avoiding a straight answer.
In 15 Seconds
- Indicates a very high probability of an event.
- Best suited for professional, academic, or journalistic contexts.
- Followed by 'أن' to introduce a clause or prediction.
What It Means
Think of this as your 'expert' phrase. It is not just a casual 'maybe.' It means you have checked the facts. You are telling your listener that the odds are heavily stacked. It is the language of analysts and thinkers. You use it when you are almost certain, but want to remain professional. It bridges the gap between 'possible' and 'guaranteed.'
How To Use It
This phrase usually sits right at the start. It sets the stage for your prediction. You will almost always follow it with the word أن (that). For example, من المحتمل بدرجة كبيرة أن followed by a verb. It acts like a frame for your entire thought. It is a fixed block, so you do not need to change the gender or number. It stays exactly as it is.
When To Use It
Use this when the stakes are high. Think of a business meeting or a news report. It works perfectly in academic essays or formal emails. If you are predicting the weather, this is your best friend. Use it when you want to sound authoritative and well-informed. It is great for discussing trends or future plans with a boss.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid it during casual small talk. If you say this to a friend about ordering pizza, they might think you are joking. It is too heavy for a relaxed dinner. Do not use it when you are 100% certain either. If the sun is out, do not say it is 'highly probable' the sun is out. That just sounds robotic. Save it for things that are likely but not yet facts.
Cultural Background
Arabic speakers deeply value eloquence and precision. Using phrases like this shows you are educated. It is a hallmark of Modern Standard Arabic (MSA). It reflects a culture that balances destiny with logical probability. It became a staple in modern journalism during the late 20th century. It is the sound of the 'evening news' across the Arab world.
Common Variations
You might hear على الأرجح which means 'most likely.' That is a bit shorter and very common. Another one is من المتوقع, which means 'it is expected.' If you want to be even stronger, you can say من شبه المؤكد, meaning 'it is almost certain.' But our phrase is the gold standard for balanced, formal probability.
Usage Notes
This is a high-register expression primarily found in written Arabic, formal speeches, and media. It functions as an introductory clause to set a high level of probability for the statement that follows.
Use with 'An'
Always remember that 'an' (أن) is the bridge to the verb. Without it, the sentence falls apart.
Don't over-use
If you use this in every sentence, you will sound like a robot or a politician avoiding a straight answer.
The Insha'Allah balance
In a professional setting, use this phrase first to show you've done your homework, then add 'Insha'Allah' to show cultural awareness.
Examples
6من المحتمل بدرجة كبيرة أن تسقط الأمطار الليلة.
It is highly probable that rain will fall tonight.
Standard use in news and forecasting.
من المحتمل بدرجة كبيرة أن نوقع العقد الأسبوع القادم.
It is highly probable that we will sign the contract next week.
Shows confidence in a professional outcome.
من المحتمل بدرجة كبيرة أن أتأخر عشر دقائق.
It is highly probable that I will be ten minutes late.
Using formal language in a casual text adds a layer of dry humor.
من المحتمل بدرجة كبيرة أننا لن نلتقي مجدداً.
It is highly probable that we will not meet again.
The formality adds a sense of gravity and finality to the emotion.
من المحتمل بدرجة كبيرة أن يفوز فريقنا اليوم.
It is highly probable that our team will win today.
Used to express strong belief in a result.
من المحتمل بدرجة كبيرة إنهاء العمل قبل الموعد.
It is highly probable to finish the work before the deadline.
Used to reassure a client or supervisor.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form to complete the formal prediction.
من المحتمل بدرجة كبيرة ________ الحكومة ضرائب جديدة العام القادم.
We need 'أن' followed by the subjunctive (mansub) form of the verb 'to impose'.
Which of these is the most appropriate for a news headline?
Predicting a major change in the stock market:
This option uses the formal 'muhtamal' and the masdar 'huduth', which is standard for headlines.
Match the phrase to the correct context.
Context: A scientist discussing a lab result.
Scientists use language that reflects probability based on data, not absolute certainty or casual slang.
Complete the dialogue with the most professional response.
المدير: هل تعتقد أننا سننهي المشروع في الوقت المحدد؟ الموظف: ________، فقد أنجزنا 90% من المهام.
The employee provides a reason (90% done), so a formal probability phrase is the best fit.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesمن المحتمل بدرجة كبيرة ________ الحكومة ضرائب جديدة العام القادم.
We need 'أن' followed by the subjunctive (mansub) form of the verb 'to impose'.
Predicting a major change in the stock market:
This option uses the formal 'muhtamal' and the masdar 'huduth', which is standard for headlines.
Context: A scientist discussing a lab result.
Scientists use language that reflects probability based on data, not absolute certainty or casual slang.
المدير: هل تعتقد أننا سننهي المشروع في الوقت المحدد؟ الموظف: ________، فقد أنجزنا 90% من المهام.
The employee provides a reason (90% done), so a formal probability phrase is the best fit.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsYes, 'min al-muhtamal jiddan' is a very common and perfectly acceptable alternative.
Yes, if followed by 'أن' and a verb, the verb must be in the mansub (subjunctive) case.
It's a bit formal. Better to use 'غالباً' (ghaliban) or 'ممكن' (mumkin).
'Ala al-arjah' is slightly more common in spoken MSA, while 'min al-muhtamal' is more common in formal writing.
Use 'من المستبعد بدرجة كبيرة' (min al-mustabaad bi-daraja kabira).
Related Phrases
من المرجح
synonymIt is likely
على الأرجح
similarMost likely
من المستبعد
contrastIt is unlikely
بكل تأكيد
contrastWith all certainty
ربما
builds onPerhaps
