It is highly likely

USAGE SUMMARY

"It is highly likely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to mean that it is probably true, or very likely to happen. For example, "It is highly likely that it will rain tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is highly likely that the foam-like biochar can trap some of the inorganic salt.

Environmental Science & Technology

It is highly likely, therefore, that this species can see its own fluorescence.

BMC Ecology

"It is highly likely the security forces were involved".

The New York Times

"It is highly likely they will come up with a higher poverty rate," he said.

The New York Times

It is highly likely that post-Brexit we post-British will too.

The Guardian

It is highly likely that new terrors await Harry and friends.

The New York Times - Arts

It is highly likely that proceeds from this racketeering have been used to finance the fighting.

The Guardian

It is highly likely that the attackers also came from many nations.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is highly likely you will be hearing very optimistic statements 12 months from now".

The New York Times

It is highly likely that this will hamper the recovery effort.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is highly likely that there will be serious economic convulsions as well.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "It is highly likely" to express a strong probability based on evidence or reasoning. It's suitable for both formal and informal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "It is highly likely" repetitively in a single piece of writing. Vary your language with alternatives like "It is probable" or "Chances are high" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

It is highly likely functions as an introductory phrase to express a strong degree of probability or expectation. Ludwig examples show its use in diverse contexts, from scientific studies to news reports, consistently indicating a high likelihood of something occurring or being true.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "It is highly likely" is a versatile phrase used to express a strong probability across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While common in both formal and informal settings, it's most frequently found in science and news media. Remember to vary your language and avoid overuse. For alternative expressions, consider phrases like "It is very probable" or "Chances are high". By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively use "It is highly likely" to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

It is very probable

Emphasizes probability using "very probable" instead of "highly likely".

It is quite likely

Uses "quite likely" offering a slightly less forceful alternative.

It is highly probable

Substitutes "likely" with its synonym "probable", maintaining a formal tone.

It is almost certain

Indicates a near certainty, a stronger level of likelihood.

It is quite possible

Suggests possibility but doesn't emphasize likelihood as strongly.

Chances are high

An informal way to express a high degree of likelihood.

It is to be expected

Highlights anticipation or expectation of an event.

It seems very likely

Adds a subjective element of perception to the statement of likelihood.

It is reasonable to assume

Introduces an element of assumption based on available information.

There's a good chance

An informal expression indicating a favorable possibility.

FAQs

How can I use "It is highly likely" in a sentence?

Use "It is highly likely" to express a strong degree of probability or expectation. For example, "It is highly likely that it will rain tomorrow".

What phrases are similar to "It is highly likely"?

Alternatives include "It is very probable", "It is quite likely", or "Chances are high" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "It is highly likely"?

It's appropriate to use "It is highly likely" when you want to convey that something is very probable based on the available evidence or information.

Is "It is highly likely" formal or informal?

"It is highly likely" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal settings, you might consider "It is highly probable" as a more formal alternative.