a likely answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a likely answer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting a possible solution or response to a question or problem that seems plausible. Example: "After reviewing the evidence, I believe that a likely answer to the mystery is that the missing documents were misplaced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Also a likely answer.

Independent

Later in the year, when winter pressures really stretch the system, looks a likely answer.

The Guardian

Some students said that none of the animals seemed very bright, but that a likely answer was the owl, because it was the one that uttered the moral.

The New York Times

A likely answer is related to the idea of cumulative knowledge.

BBC

A likely answer comes not from politics, but social psychology.

Huffington Post

A likely answer, again, comes from psychology, in this case the psychology of risk perception.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Yet the files contain much private information, accurate or not, on things like medical conditions or sexual indiscretions.So a more likely answer will be to open the files to public scrutiny with non-political material expunged.

The Economist

However, Algeria's oil minister, Chakib Khelil, thinks speculation is a more likely answer.

The Economist

We can increase the chance of a more likely answer the more qualified and experienced the group tasked with the prediction is to give it.

The Guardian

A more likely answer is this: When big new phenomena arrive on the scene, it's hard to know what to count.

The New York Times

For a time, the most likely answer was a new set of missions set in North Yankton (the remote, snowy area in which the missions 'Prologue' and 'Bury the Hatchet' are set).

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting "a likely answer", provide supporting evidence or reasoning to strengthen its credibility. Avoid stating it as a definitive solution without justification.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a likely answer" as a certainty. Use qualifying language (e.g., 'appears to be', 'suggests', 'indicates') to maintain appropriate nuance and acknowledge alternative possibilities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a likely answer" functions as a noun phrase that suggests a probable or plausible solution or explanation to a question or problem. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a likely answer" serves as a noun phrase expressing a probable or plausible solution. Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical correctness and usability, and it appears commonly across News & Media and Science contexts. When using "a likely answer", it's best to provide supporting reasoning without overstating its certainty. Alternatives include "a probable answer" or "a plausible answer". In summary, "a likely answer" is a reliable way to suggest a potential solution while maintaining appropriate nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a probable answer

Replaces 'likely' with 'probable', suggesting a slightly higher degree of certainty.

a plausible answer

Replaces 'likely' with 'plausible', indicating that the answer is believable or reasonable.

the most likely explanation

Shifts focus to explanation, emphasizing that it is the most probable among several.

a reasonable answer

Suggests that the answer is logical and makes sense given the available information.

a possible answer

Replaces 'likely' with 'possible', suggesting a less certain but still potential answer.

the probable solution

Directly suggests a solution, indicating a high likelihood of success.

a credible answer

Emphasizes the trustworthiness and reliability of the answer.

a potential answer

Similar to 'possible answer', but perhaps implying that the answer has the capacity to become more probable with further investigation.

a conceivable answer

Indicates that the answer is imaginable or capable of being believed.

an expected answer

Suggests that the answer is what one would anticipate based on previous knowledge or experience.

FAQs

How can I use "a likely answer" in a sentence?

You can use "a likely answer" when suggesting a probable solution or explanation to a question or problem. For example: "A likely answer to the question of why the project failed is poor planning."

What are some alternatives to "a likely answer"?

You can use alternatives like "a probable answer", "a plausible answer", or "a possible answer" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "a likely answer" or "the likely answer"?

The choice between "a likely answer" and "the likely answer" depends on whether you are referring to one of several possible answers ("a likely answer") or a specific answer that has already been introduced or is implied by the context ("the likely answer").

What's the difference between "a likely answer" and "a possible answer"?

"A likely answer" suggests a higher probability or degree of confidence than "a possible answer". "A possible answer" simply indicates that something is not impossible, while "a likely answer" suggests it is the most probable explanation or solution.