In all likelihood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "In all likelihood" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a high probability or expectation that something will happen or is true. Example: "In all likelihood, the event will be postponed due to the weather conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In all likelihood: yes.

Independent

In all likelihood, none.

The New York Times - Sports

In all likelihood, they'll adapt.

The New York Times

In all likelihood the answer is yes.

The New York Times

In all likelihood, that includes criminals.

The New York Times

In all likelihood, they found it.

The New York Times - Sports

"In all likelihood," he said.

The New York Times

In all likelihood, nothing will.

The New York Times

In all likelihood, "jihadists" are.

The Guardian

In all likelihood, very few – if any.

The Guardian

In all likelihood, she was right.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for conciseness, consider alternatives like "probably" or "likely" which convey similar meanings with fewer words.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "In all likelihood" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "probably" or "most likely" in everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "In all likelihood" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to express a high degree of probability or expectation. It indicates that something is very likely to happen or be true. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for expressing reasoned expectations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "In all likelihood" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adverbial phrase to express a high degree of probability. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and accuracy. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While effective in professional and neutral communications, be cautious about overusing it in informal settings where simpler alternatives like "probably" may be more appropriate. When expressing reasoned expectations, "In all likelihood" is a strong and reliable choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Very probably

Emphasizes the high probability of an event occurring, similar to "In all likelihood".

Almost certainly

Indicates a near certainty, slightly stronger than "In all likelihood".

Most probably

Direct synonym, expressing the highest chance.

Quite likely

Indicates a good chance of something happening.

Presumably

Suggests an assumption based on reasonable evidence.

Doubtless

Implies a lack of doubt, conveying strong likelihood.

Chances are

Informal way of saying something is likely to happen.

As likely as not

Expresses a fair probability, though slightly less certain.

It is expected that

A more formal and predictive alternative.

It is anticipated that

Similar to "it is expected that", but conveys a sense of looking forward to the event.

FAQs

How can I use "In all likelihood" in a sentence?

Use "In all likelihood" to express a strong probability or expectation. For example: "In all likelihood, the meeting will be postponed."

What phrases can I use instead of "In all likelihood"?

You can use alternatives like "very probably", "almost certainly", or "most probably" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "In all likelihood" or "probably"?

"In all likelihood" is more formal and emphasizes a reasoned assessment of probability, while "probably" is more general. The best choice depends on the context and desired tone.

What's the difference between "In all likelihood" and "possibly"?

"In all likelihood" suggests a high degree of probability, while "possibly" indicates only a chance or a potential, without implying any specific level of probability.