It is likely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "It is likely" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a probability or a strong possibility regarding a situation or outcome. Example: "Given the current trends in the market, it is likely that sales will increase in the next quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is likely to stop.

The Economist

It is likely to pass.

The Economist

It is likely to happen.

The Economist

It is likely to be West.

The New York Times

It is likely to be messy.

The Economist

It is likely to be the taxpayer.

The Economist

It is likely to keep going up.

The New York Times - Sports

It is likely to be sobering.

The Economist

It is likely to retain that distinction.

The Economist

It is likely to go higher.

The Economist

It is likely to remain so.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is likely" to express a reasoned expectation based on available information. Avoid using it when stating definitive facts or personal opinions.

Common error

While versatile, "it is likely" can become repetitive in formal writing. Vary your phrasing with alternatives like "probable", "expected", or "anticipated" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is likely" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. It expresses a degree of probability or expectation, indicating that something is more probable than not. As demonstrated by Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used to convey an informed prediction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

38%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is likely" serves as a versatile tool for expressing probability or expectation in English. According to Ludwig's analysis, this phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used across various contexts, notably in news media and scientific writing. While neutral in register, remember to vary your phrasing in formal writing for enhanced sophistication. Keep in mind that this phrase is a method to predict possibilities without stating definitive facts. The AI analysis found no grammatical inconsistencies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

It is probable

Replaces "likely" with a synonym, maintaining a similar degree of certainty.

It seems likely

Adds a layer of perception or observation to the statement of probability.

It is expected

Shifts the focus to anticipation or prediction rather than simple probability.

It is anticipated

Similar to 'expected' but often used in more formal contexts.

One can expect

Impersonal construction emphasizing anticipation.

Chances are

Offers a more informal and conversational way to express likelihood.

The odds are

Uses a more statistical or gambling-related term to indicate probability.

It would appear that

Presents the likelihood as an inference based on available evidence.

It is reasonable to assume

Emphasizes the logical basis for the expectation.

It is foreseeable

Highlights the capacity to predict an outcome based on current circumstances.

FAQs

How do you use "it is likely" in a sentence?

You can use "it is likely" to express a probability or expectation about a future event or current situation. For example, "It is likely that the meeting will be postponed" or "It is likely to rain later today".

What can I say instead of "it is likely"?

You can use alternatives like "it is probable", "it is expected", or "chances are" depending on the context.

Is "it is likely" formal or informal?

"It is likely" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it a versatile phrase. However, in highly formal writing, you might consider alternatives such as "it is probable" or "it is anticipated".

Which is correct: "it is likely that" or "it is likely to"?

Both "it is likely that" and "it is likely to" are grammatically correct, but they are followed by different sentence structures. "It is likely that" is followed by a clause (a subject and a verb), while "it is likely to" is followed by an infinitive verb (to + verb). For example: "It is likely that he will arrive soon" vs. "He is likely to arrive soon".