a likely outcome

USAGE SUMMARY

'a likely outcome' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are discussing something that is likely to happen, or something that could be expected to occur as a result of a particular situation or event. For example: "Given the current economic situation, unemployment is a likely outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We'll have to see as we get closer whether that seems like a likely outcome.

The New York Times

"I think that's a likely outcome".

The New York Times

In this vacuum, mayhem appears to be a likely outcome.

The New York Times

In the medium term, it is still a likely outcome.

The Guardian - Business

Until Charles N'Zogbia took speculative aim in the 94th minute this appeared a likely outcome.

The Guardian - Sport

Government guidance says "curriculum rationalisation" is a likely outcome of the reviews.

The Guardian

"We see a default or a forced debt restructuring as a likely outcome," it said.

The New York Times

That is not Mr Gove's intention, but it is a likely outcome of his proposal.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's also fair to point out some reasons failure is a likely outcome.

The New York Times

A Labour-led corLabour or Labour minority government seems a likely outcome.

The Guardian - Opinion

Indeed, that appears to be a likely outcome of the debate this week.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a likely outcome", ensure that the context clearly supports the assertion of likelihood. Provide evidence or reasoning to strengthen your claim, especially in persuasive writing or formal reports.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a likely outcome" as a guaranteed result. Even if an outcome is probable, acknowledge that other possibilities exist to maintain credibility and accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a likely outcome" functions as a noun phrase typically used as a subject complement or object. According to Ludwig AI, it denotes something expected or probable based on given conditions. It serves to describe an expected result.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a likely outcome" is a noun phrase used to describe an expected or probable result, often based on current circumstances or available information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used in English across various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, scientific, and formal business settings, its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for both professional and general communication. When using this phrase, be sure to provide context and avoid overstating the certainty of the outcome. Alternatives like "a probable result" or "an expected development" can add nuance depending on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a probable result

Emphasizes the high probability of the result occurring.

a predictable consequence

Highlights that the consequence can be foreseen based on current conditions.

an expected development

Focuses on the anticipation of a certain event unfolding.

a foreseeable eventuality

Stresses the ability to see the event coming, often with a sense of inevitability.

a potential consequence

Suggests the outcome is possible but not certain.

a plausible scenario

Indicates the scenario is believable and could easily happen.

a reasonable expectation

Highlights that the expectation is justified and sensible.

a strong possibility

Indicates a high chance of something happening.

a highly probable event

Focuses on a specific event that is very likely to occur.

a logical conclusion

Stresses that the conclusion is derived from a clear line of reasoning.

FAQs

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

Use "a likely outcome" to describe a result that is probable given certain circumstances. For example, "Given the company's financial struggles, bankruptcy is "a likely outcome"."

What are some alternatives to saying "a likely outcome"?

Alternatives include "a probable result", "an expected development", or "a potential consequence" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "likely outcome" or "probable outcome"?

Both "likely outcome" and "probable outcome" are correct and convey a similar meaning. "Likely outcome" is slightly more common in everyday usage, while "probable outcome" might be preferred in more formal or scientific contexts.

Can "a likely outcome" be used to describe negative situations?

Yes, "a likely outcome" can describe both positive and negative situations. For example, "If safety measures are not improved, an accident is "a likely outcome"."