a likely scenario

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a likely scenario" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation or outcome that is probable or expected to happen. Example: "Given the current economic trends, a likely scenario is that we will see an increase in unemployment rates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Groups of massive loved-up Black Power dudes getting all gushy about how much they like the Mongrel Mob boys just doesn't seem a likely scenario.

Vice

This was a likely scenario.

The Guardian - Tech

Neither is a likely scenario for the United States.

The New York Times

"But we do not view this to be a likely scenario," Mr. Chambers said.

The New York Times

"We still think a degree of post-EU referendum recovery is a likely scenario," said Smith.

The Guardian

If there is no deal, this is quite a likely scenario.

The Guardian - Opinion

"A rogue UK is not a likely scenario under Theresa May," one senior diplomat said.

The Guardian

"A 'no-deal' scenario on 12 April is now a likely scenario.

The Guardian

I realize this is not a likely scenario, but this is what was missing in the nineties.

The New Yorker

While Americans disapprove of President Bush's handling of the war, I doubt they would want to leave Iraqis to the wolves -- a likely scenario predicted by Frank Rich.

The New York Times

He will only succeed in this if either PP or Podemos votes for him or abstains, neither of which is a likely scenario.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a likely scenario" when you want to describe a future event or situation that has a good chance of happening based on current evidence or trends. It's useful in analytical or predictive contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "a likely scenario" when the situation is merely speculative or lacks concrete supporting evidence. If the probability is low, phrases like "a possible outcome" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a likely scenario" functions as a noun phrase that presents a situation or outcome that is expected or has a high probability of occurring. As shown in the Ludwig examples, it's often used to introduce predictions or analyses based on available information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a likely scenario" is a common phrase used to describe a situation or outcome that is probable or expected based on current information. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and business. While alternatives like "a probable scenario" or "a plausible scenario" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. When using this phrase, ensure that the situation has enough supporting evidence to warrant the claim of likelihood, avoiding overstatement. With its versatile nature, "a likely scenario" remains a valuable tool for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a probable scenario

Replaces "likely" with "probable", indicating a strong chance of occurrence.

an expected scenario

Replaces "likely" with "expected", emphasizing that the scenario aligns with what is anticipated.

a plausible scenario

Substitutes "likely" with "plausible", suggesting the scenario is believable or reasonable.

a realistic scenario

Substitutes "likely" with "realistic", emphasizing the scenario's grounding in reality.

a possible scenario

Replaces "likely" with "possible", indicating the scenario could happen, though not necessarily expected.

a credible scenario

Replaces "likely" with "credible", which suggests the scenario is convincing and worthy of belief.

a potential scenario

Changes "likely" to "potential", focusing on the inherent possibility of the scenario unfolding.

a conceivable scenario

Changes "likely" to "conceivable", indicating the scenario is within the realm of possibility and imagination.

a foreseeable scenario

Changes "likely" to "foreseeable", suggesting the scenario can be anticipated based on current conditions.

a predictable scenario

Substitutes "likely" with "predictable", focusing on the ease with which the scenario can be foreseen.

FAQs

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

You can use "a likely scenario" to introduce a situation or outcome that is probable or expected. For example: "Given the circumstances, a likely scenario is that the company will downsize."

What are some alternatives to "a likely scenario"?

Alternatives include "a probable outcome", "a plausible situation", or "a realistic possibility".

Is it better to use "likely" or "probable" in "a likely scenario" vs "a probable scenario"?

Both "likely" and "probable" are suitable and nearly synonymous. "Probable" might imply a slightly higher degree of certainty, but the choice often comes down to stylistic preference. In most cases, "a probable scenario" is perfectly interchangeable.

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

"A likely scenario" suggests that the event is more probable based on current evidence, while "a possible scenario" simply means that the event could happen, without implying a high probability.