I will likely

USAGE SUMMARY

"I will likely" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something is probable or likely to happen. For example, "I will likely finish this project by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

As a fellow TV critic, there is, by definition, a there-but-for-the-grace-of-god element to any controversy like this: I've written dumb things myself, and I will likely continue to do so, despite my best intentions.

The New Yorker

Without a trigger (like a Post-it note, or an alert in my iPhone) I will likely never recall it.

HuffPost

There are certain recipes I will likely never attempt.

The New Yorker

I will likely do the Giro di Lombardia in October".

The New York Times

I will likely focus on these areas after I finish school.

Harvard University

I will likely be adding more as I find them, and as I record new ones!

Stanford University

I will likely be coming again to your blog for more soon.

University of California, Berkeley

"I will likely partake when I get home tonight," pink hair told me.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

It's true that I'll likely get pregnant again.

The New York Times

However, as part of a restructure I'll likely be pushed down a rank.

The Guardian - Money

I have enough toilet paper but I'll likely get some more just in case.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I will likely" to express a reasonable expectation about a future event based on current knowledge or circumstances. It strikes a balance between certainty and possibility.

Common error

Avoid using "I will likely" when you are absolutely certain about something. In such cases, opt for stronger phrases like "I will definitely" or "I will certainly".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I will likely" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying the verb that follows, expressing a degree of probability or expectation. It is used to indicate that an action or event is probable, but not certain. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of the phrase as correct and usable for indicating probability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

31%

Science

26%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I will likely" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to express a strong possibility or expectation regarding a future event. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's a correct and effective way to communicate that something is probable but not guaranteed. It is versatile enough for various contexts, appearing frequently in news, academic writing, and scientific discourse. When aiming for precision, remember to avoid it when expressing absolute certainty, and instead opt for stronger alternatives like "I will definitely". The phrase's register is neutral, making it appropriate for diverse communication scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I probably will

Replaces "likely" with "probably", indicating a slightly reduced degree of certainty.

I am likely to

Uses a different grammatical structure to express the same probability.

I am expected to

Indicates an expectation, often from an external source, about a future action.

In all likelihood, I will

Emphasizes the high probability of a future action based on current circumstances.

I am inclined to

Suggests a tendency or preference towards a particular action.

I anticipate I will

Formally expresses expectation or prediction about a future event.

I foresee that I will

Implies a prediction based on insight or foresight.

I have a good chance of

Focuses on the probability of success or occurrence.

It is probable that I will

Uses an impersonal construction to express probability.

Chances are I will

Informally suggests a high likelihood of something happening.

FAQs

What does "I will likely" mean?

The phrase "I will likely" means that you expect something to happen, but you are not completely certain. It indicates a high probability but acknowledges the possibility of a different outcome.

What can I say instead of "I will likely"?

You can use alternatives like "I probably will", "I am likely to", or "chances are I will" depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "I will likely" or "I am likely to"?

Both phrases are generally acceptable in formal contexts, but "I am likely to" might be perceived as slightly more formal than "I will likely". The difference is subtle.

When should I not use "I will likely"?

Avoid using "I will likely" when you want to express absolute certainty. Instead, use phrases like "I definitely will" or "I certainly will" to convey a stronger sense of assurance.