a likely future

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a likely future" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing predictions or expectations about what may happen in the future based on current trends or evidence. Example: "Given the current economic indicators, a likely future involves a gradual recovery in the job market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Montebourg is now kingmaker and a likely future government minister if the left win.

The Guardian

Beyond Florida, Mr. Bush, of course, is no longer talked about as a likely future president.

The New York Times

But because of the earlier bombing, the World Trade Centre became a likely future target.

The Economist

It also provides a preview of a likely future in which extremely costly drugs are common.

MIT Technology Review

For most of his childhood, his father, Salman, was the governor of Riyadh and a likely future king.

The New Yorker

Marwan Barghouti, of Fatah, who is seen as a likely future leader, was also removed at Israel's insistence.

The New York Times

Bill de Blasio, New York City's new public advocate, is a lifelong Democrat and a likely future mayoral contender.

The New York Times

Mr. Erdogan, who has been an effective mayor, was considered a likely future leader of Turkey's Islamic electoral movement.

The New York Times

His performance during a nearly catastrophic episode in 1986 made his reputation and "singled me out as a likely future chairman," Mr. Corzine said.

The New York Times

Even the speaker of the House, Paul Ryan, a likely future president himself, if there still is a Republican party, has met Trump and toned down his language.

The Guardian

According to his biographer, Campbell Lennie, Landseer had until that point faced a likely future "as a parlour painter of lapdogs".

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overusing "a likely future" in close proximity within your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "a probable outcome" or "a foreseeable scenario" to maintain reader engagement.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a likely future" as a certainty. The phrase implies possibility and probability, not guaranteed outcomes. Use hedging language (e.g., "it is likely that," "it is probable that") to maintain appropriate nuance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a likely future" functions as a noun phrase, where 'likely' modifies 'future'. It describes a scenario or outcome that is considered probable or highly possible based on current trends or evidence. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in discussing potential outcomes across diverse domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

34%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a likely future" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression for discussing probable outcomes or scenarios based on current evidence and trends. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across various reputable sources, including news, science, and academic contexts. While versatile, it's important to use the phrase with appropriate nuance, avoiding overstatements of certainty. Alternatives such as "a probable future" or "a foreseeable future" can add variety to your writing. Remember to provide context and support for your claims when discussing what "a likely future" might entail.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a probable future

Replaces "likely" with "probable", indicating a strong possibility.

a foreseeable future

Focuses on the predictability of the future scenario.

a potential future

Highlights the possibility rather than the likelihood of a future event.

a prospective future

Similar to "potential future", emphasizing future possibilities.

a predictable future

Emphasizes the ease with which the future can be anticipated.

an expected future

Suggests that the future is anticipated based on current trends.

a coming future

Focuses on the imminence of the future.

a developing future

Highlights the ongoing changes shaping the future.

an approaching future

Stresses that the future is drawing nearer.

an emerging future

Indicates that the future is beginning to take shape.

FAQs

What does "a likely future" mean?

The phrase "a likely future" refers to a scenario or outcome that is considered probable or highly possible based on current trends, evidence, or predictions. It suggests that this particular future is more plausible than others.

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

You can use "a likely future" to discuss potential outcomes in various contexts. For example, "A likely future for the company involves expanding into international markets" or "Given the current climate trends, a likely future includes more frequent extreme weather events."

What are some alternatives to "a likely future"?

Some alternatives to "a likely future" include "a probable future", "a foreseeable future", "a potential future", or "an expected future". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a likely future" in formal writing?

Yes, "a likely future" is appropriate for formal writing. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and widely used in reputable sources, including news, academic, and business contexts. It's a versatile phrase suitable for various formal registers.