always likely to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "always likely to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a consistent probability or tendency for something to happen. Example: "Given the current trends, it is always likely to rain during this season."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They were always likely to pull a stunt like that".

The Guardian

That was always likely to be a losing game for the likes of Setanta and ESPN.

The Guardian - Business

The case was always likely to be explosive.

The Guardian

Families of imprisoned women are always likely to suffer.

The New York Times

This was always likely to be nip and tuck.

The Guardian - Sport

But Bridges is, as always, likely to be unfazed.

The Guardian - Film

The technological leap was always likely to cause teething issues.

The Guardian - Business

The pitch was always likely to ease, but England have lost from many similar positions.

Independent

It was always likely to set him on a collision course with the Tory right.

The Guardian

Australia's 315 for 7 in their 50 overs was always likely to be out of reach.

Independent

Of the four, two are always likely to start on the bench.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "always likely to" to express a strong probability based on consistent patterns or known factors. For instance, "Given the company's history, it's "always likely to" prioritize profit over sustainability."

Common error

Avoid using "always likely to" when the outcome is not truly predictable, as this phrase implies a strong tendency. Instead, use phrases like "possibly" or "potentially" if the outcome is less certain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "always likely to" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its role in expressing a high degree of probability or expectation. It typically indicates that an event or outcome is highly probable based on certain conditions or patterns.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Sport

31%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "always likely to" is a versatile expression used to indicate a strong probability or expectation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, including news, sports, and business. It functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to express a high degree of confidence in a particular outcome. While alternatives like "prone to" or "bound to" exist, "always likely to" provides a specific nuance of consistent predictability. Be mindful of overstating certainty and consider the context to ensure appropriate usage. Use this phrase when you want to emphasize that something is consistently probable based on established patterns or conditions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bound to

Indicates a certainty or inevitability based on circumstances.

inclined to

Suggests a disposition or leaning towards a particular outcome.

prone to

Focuses on a natural inclination or susceptibility towards something.

sure to

Expresses a strong expectation that something will happen.

apt to

Highlights a natural tendency or suitability for something.

certain to

Implies a guaranteed outcome or event.

liable to

Emphasizes the potential for something, often negative, to occur.

destined to

Suggests that an event is predetermined or inevitable.

expected to

Highlights a common anticipation or prediction.

predisposed to

Suggests an inherent tendency or vulnerability.

FAQs

How can I use "always likely to" in a sentence?

Use "always likely to" to indicate a high probability or tendency for something to happen based on past experience or current conditions. For example, "Given the team's strong defense, they are "always likely to" win close games".

What are some alternatives to "always likely to"?

Alternatives include "prone to", "inclined to", "apt to", or "bound to", each with slightly different nuances in meaning.

Is it more appropriate to use "always likely to" or "very likely to"?

"Always likely to" suggests a consistent pattern or inherent tendency, while "very likely to" indicates a high probability in a specific instance. Choose the phrase that best reflects the context.

What's the difference between "likely to" and "always likely to"?

"Likely to" implies a possibility or probability, while "always likely to" suggests a consistent and predictable tendency. The addition of "always" strengthens the expectation of the outcome.