a likely prospect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a likely prospect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone or something that has a good chance of success or a positive outcome in a particular context. Example: "After reviewing the candidates, Sarah emerged as a likely prospect for the leadership position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Now Mercedes has decided the A-Class is worthy of a redesign, making it a likely prospect for the United States market, where it would compete against models like the BMW 1 Series.

The New York Times

You know, if this was a likely prospect.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Not that Walter's looks or dress would mark him out as a likely prospect.

The New Yorker

Nor has anyone offered to introduce me to a likely prospect.

The New York Times - Health

Intermittent guerrilla warfare is a likely prospect for years to come, however.

The New York Times

Stagnation is the result, and such a scenario is a likely prospect for capitalism in the future.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

A knighthood for Ainslie, then, seems a very likely prospect.

BBC

In your view, what is a more likely prospect for the economy? A. I have a high degree of confidence the Fed will be successful in slowing the economy without tipping it into recession.

The New York Times

But until he commits to a Colorado visit, Kelling won't consider him a more likely prospect than the folks at United World Travel who wouldn't even talk to him.

Forbes

Privately, the HNC claims De Mistura admits he is powerless to force the government to negotiate on this vision, and is left largely waiting for Putin or – a less likely prospect – Iran to pressurise Assad to move at a faster pace.

The Guardian

King Gyanendra had pledged to complete the inquiry in 72 hours, now a less likely prospect.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a likely prospect" when you want to suggest that someone or something has a strong chance of success or a positive outcome. Ensure the context clearly supports the expectation.

Common error

Avoid using "a likely prospect" when the outcome is highly uncertain or speculative. This phrase implies a reasonable degree of confidence in the positive outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a likely prospect" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is correct and usable in written English, describing something or someone with a high probability of success or positive outcome.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

17%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a likely prospect" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to describe someone or something with a high probability of success. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted and appears frequently in diverse contexts, especially in news and media, showcasing its relevance in everyday communication. When employing this phrase, ensure the context justifies the implication of a strong chance of a positive outcome. Consider alternatives like "a probable candidate" or "a strong possibility" for nuanced meanings. By considering these aspects, writers can effectively use "a likely prospect" to convey their intended meaning with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a probable candidate

Replaces "prospect" with "candidate", suggesting a person being considered for something.

a strong possibility

Emphasizes the chance of something happening rather than a person's potential.

a good bet

An informal way to suggest something has a high chance of success.

a promising option

Highlights the potential and positive aspects of a choice.

a potential contender

Focuses on the competitive aspect, suitable when discussing competition.

a viable possibility

Indicates a feasible or realistic chance of something occurring.

a realistic expectation

Highlights that an event is reasonably expected to occur.

a feasible candidate

Replaces “prospect” with “candidate” highlighting the feasibility of that candidate.

a realistic possibility

Stresses that an occurrence is within the realm of what is realistically achievable.

a foreseeable outcome

Focuses on the predictability of a result based on current circumstances.

FAQs

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

Use "a likely prospect" to describe someone or something that has a good chance of success in a particular situation. For example, "After the interviews, she emerged as "a likely prospect" for the job".

What are some alternatives to "a likely prospect"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a probable candidate", "a strong possibility", or "a promising option".

Is it better to say "likely prospect" or "potential candidate"?

"Likely prospect" suggests a higher degree of confidence in the positive outcome compared to "potential candidate". "Potential candidate" simply indicates someone who is being considered.

When is it inappropriate to use "a likely prospect"?

Avoid using "a likely prospect" if the situation is highly uncertain or purely speculative. It's best used when there are concrete reasons to believe in a positive outcome.