Very likely

USAGE SUMMARY

"very likely" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express the chance that something will happen as being greater than the chance that it won't. For example: "Will it rain tomorrow? It's very likely."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Very likely, in fact.

The New Yorker

Very likely it is both.

The New York Times - Sports

Very likely no one has.

The New York Times

Very likely, he wasn't so tickled.

The New Yorker

Very likely no one will be watching.

The New Yorker

Very likely it is all moot anyway.

The New York Times - Sports

Very likely Balanchine will be proved wrong.

The New York Times

Very likely, the cats got the young.

The New York Times - Science

Very likely Likely Neutral Unlikely Very unlikely 6.

The New York Times

Very likely.

Forbes

Neither is very likely.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "very likely" to convey a strong probability based on evidence or reasoning. Avoid overusing it in close proximity to other similar phrases for stylistic variety.

Common error

Avoid using "very likely" when the outcome is merely possible or speculative. Ensure the context supports a high degree of probability, not just a remote chance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very likely" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating a high degree of probability or expectation. It modifies a statement or prediction, strengthening the likelihood of its occurrence. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very likely" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase that expresses a strong probability or expectation. Ludwig confirms its validity for expressing a high degree of certainty across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure that the context warrants a strong degree of probability and consider alternatives like "highly probable" or "almost certainly" for stylistic variation. Avoid using it when the situation is merely possible or speculative. The phrase is primarily used in news, media and formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Highly probable

Emphasizes a high degree of probability, sounding slightly more formal.

Almost certainly

Suggests a very high degree of confidence, close to certainty.

In all likelihood

A more formal and emphatic way of expressing high probability.

Quite likely

Indicates a strong possibility, but can sometimes imply a slightly lower degree of certainty.

Reasonably certain

Implies a justifiable degree of confidence based on available evidence.

Most probably

Similar in meaning, but less frequently used in contemporary English.

More than likely

A slightly less formal alternative, common in spoken English.

It is highly expected

Shifts the focus to expectation rather than pure probability.

Presumably

Suggests that something is likely based on what is known or assumed.

Odds are

An informal idiom indicating a probable outcome.

FAQs

How to use "very likely" in a sentence?

Use "very likely" to indicate a high probability. For example, "Given the current trends, it's "very likely" that the company will exceed its targets this quarter".

What can I say instead of "very likely"?

You can use alternatives like "highly probable", "quite likely", or "almost certainly" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "very likely" or "most likely"?

Both ""very likely"" and "most likely" are correct, but "very likely" suggests a slightly higher degree of certainty compared to "most likely".

What's the difference between "very likely" and "possible"?

"Very likely" indicates a strong probability, while "possible" only suggests that something could happen, without implying how probable it is.