I was likely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was likely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a probability or likelihood regarding a past event or situation. Example: "I was likely to finish the project on time, but unforeseen circumstances delayed my progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Yet, I knew that at events like this, I was likely to meet people with interests similar to mine and that made it easier to start and continue talking.

Science Magazine

What if I learned I was likely to die young?

The New York Times

Since Chris plays off three, this was not an invitation I was likely to turn down.

Independent

This time I knew I was likely dead-ended at the paper.

The New York Times

I explained that without regular exercise I was likely to be a very difficult patient.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It was the only way I was likely to see the bizarre marsupials of the country.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Thus, RIG-I is likely to be regulated by two different modes of modifications.

EMBO Molecular Medicine

Therefore, protein complexes containing both BRCA1 and TFII-I are likely to be distributed throughout nuclei.

British Journal of Cancer

In fact, I'm likely to live to 100.

The New York Times

I'm likely to be offered the roles of a terrorist, cab driver and smart geek.

The Guardian - Film

I am likely to be fine, no matter who becomes the president.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was likely" to express a reasonable expectation based on past circumstances. It's most effective when the context provides some basis for that expectation.

Common error

Avoid using "I was likely" when the outcome was uncertain or unpredictable. It's best suited for situations where there was a clear basis for anticipating a particular result.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was likely" functions as an expression of past probability or expectation. It indicates that, based on the available information or circumstances at the time, the speaker considered a particular outcome as the most probable. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I was likely" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a past probability or expectation. According to Ludwig AI, it's widely used in various contexts, especially in news and media, and scientific publications. Its neutral tone makes it suitable for diverse situations. When using this phrase, ensure that the context supports the expectation you are conveying, avoiding overstatements. For alternatives, consider options like "I probably was" or "It was probable that I", depending on the nuance you want to communicate. "I was likely" is a versatile tool for expressing your past assessments and anticipations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I probably was

Uses "probably" for a more direct expression of probability.

I seemed likely

Shifts focus to appearance or perception of likelihood.

It was probable that I

Rephrases to emphasize the probability of the situation.

I had a good chance of

Indicates a favorable possibility for a past event.

I stood a good chance of

Indicates a strong possibility of something in the past.

Chances were high that I

Emphasizes the high probability of an event involving the subject.

I could well have

Expresses a possibility, often implying a degree of surprise.

I was in all probability

Adds formality and emphasizes the strong likelihood.

I was expected to

Shifts focus to an expectation rather than a probability.

I was bound to

Indicates a sense of inevitability about a past action.

FAQs

How can I use "I was likely" in a sentence?

Use "I was likely" to indicate a high probability of a past event based on the information available at the time. For example, "I was likely to miss the train because of the traffic."

What are some alternatives to "I was likely"?

Alternatives include "I probably was", "I seemed likely", or "It was probable that I", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "I was likely to"?

Yes, "I was likely to" is grammatically correct and commonly used to express a probability or expectation about a past event.

What's the difference between "I was likely" and "I was probably"?

"I was likely" suggests a reasonable expectation based on circumstances, while "I was probably" indicates a more general sense of what was most likely to happen, without necessarily implying a strong basis for that belief.