are likely to

USAGE SUMMARY

'are likely to' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something is probable or expected to happen. For example: "We are likely to experience higher temperatures over the summer months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

More are likely to.

The Economist

Others are likely to follow.

The Economist

Others are likely to soon follow suit.

The New York Times

They are likely to become less so.

The Economist

These are likely to be small blips.

The New York Times

Some bits are likely to be diluted.

The Economist

Other guest stars are likely to appear.

The New York Times

They are likely to try alcohol.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Indeed, they are likely to overfill it.

The New York Times - Books

They are likely to remain both.

The Economist

Growth rates are likely to come down.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider replacing "are likely to" with synonyms like "are expected to" or "are probable to" for stylistic variation and to avoid repetition, enhancing the overall readability.

Common error

Avoid using "are likely to" when the outcome is highly uncertain or speculative. Overusing it can weaken your argument and make your predictions seem less credible. Instead, use weaker qualifiers like "might" or "could".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are likely to" functions as a modal expression indicating a probability or expectation. According to Ludwig AI, this construction is deemed grammatically correct. Examples show it expressing expected outcomes or future possibilities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are likely to" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to convey probability or expectation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions effectively across various contexts, particularly in news and media, though its neutral register makes it appropriate for formal and scientific writing as well. While alternatives like "are expected to" and "are probable to" offer stylistic variety, it's crucial to avoid overstating certainty and to choose the most fitting phrase based on the nuances of the context. Using this phrase correctly can add clarity and precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are probable to

Emphasizes probability, suggesting a strong chance of something happening.

are expected to

Highlights anticipation or prediction, indicating that something is foreseen.

will probably

A more direct way to express that something is expected to happen.

are anticipated to

Similar to "are expected to" but may imply a formal expectation.

are poised to

Suggests readiness or a setup for something to occur.

are apt to

Indicates a natural tendency or inclination.

are inclined to

Shows a leaning or preference towards something.

are liable to

Implies a risk or potential negative consequence.

it is foreseen that

More formal and emphasizes foresight or prediction.

it is anticipated that

Similar to "are anticipated to" but using a more impersonal construction.

FAQs

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

The phrase "are likely to" is used to express that something is probable or expected. For example, "Temperatures "are likely to rise" over the next century due to climate change".

What can I say instead of "are likely to"?

You can use alternatives like "are expected to", "are probable to", or "will probably" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "are likely to" and "are expected to"?

While both express probability, "are likely to" suggests a general likelihood, while "are expected to" implies an anticipation or prediction. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize probability or expectation.

Which is correct, "are likely to" or "is likely to"?

"Are likely to" is used with plural subjects (e.g., "They "are likely to attend""), while "is likely to" is used with singular subjects (e.g., "He "is likely to win"").