are very likely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are very likely" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate a strong probability that something is true. For example, "Experts predict that the storm clouds are very likely to bring heavy rain later today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

People who think like this are very likely to vote.

Huffington Post

Today's followers are very likely to be tomorrow's customers.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cracks are very likely to appear on concrete surface.

Transportation Research Procedia

When headhunters call, they are very likely to answer.

The New York Times

"And here we are, very likely to waste it".

The New York Times

Moreover, parents are very likely to misjudge their children's skills.

The Economist

They are very likely to vote for secession.

The Economist

Length, frequency, and intensity of heat-waves are very likely to increase in the future.

University of California, Berkeley

Older versions of numpy/matplotlib are very likely to work, but have not been tested.

Yale University

Thus, the majority of physicians are very likely to follow them.

Harvard University

When we are peaking, we are very likely to hear digital distortion.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, make sure that the subject of the sentence and "are very likely" agree in number to maintain grammatical correctness. For example: "They are very likely to attend" vs. "He is very likely to attend".

Common error

Avoid using "are very likely" when the outcome is merely possible or speculative. This phrase implies a considerable degree of certainty, so reserve it for situations supported by clear evidence or strong reasoning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are very likely" functions as a predicative expression. It is used to express a high probability or expectation that something will occur or is true. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

37%

Science

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are very likely" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate a strong probability or expectation. According to Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, especially in news, academic, and scientific writing. While conveying a high degree of certainty, it's important to avoid overstating the likelihood when evidence is weak. Alternatives such as "are highly probable" or "are extremely likely" can be used to fine-tune the intended nuance. It is important to check the number to make the subject and "are very likely" agree in number to maintain grammatical correctness. Examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian demonstrate its widespread acceptance and utility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are highly probable

This alternative uses "highly probable" which intensifies the sense of likelihood, similar to "very likely".

are extremely likely

This alternative emphasizes the high degree of likelihood, mirroring the effect of "very likely".

are quite likely

This option uses "quite" to indicate a good chance of something happening, similar to "very likely".

are most likely

This phrase suggests the highest probability among a set of possibilities, similar to "very likely".

are almost certain

This expression conveys a high degree of confidence, close to certainty but not absolute, resembling "very likely".

are virtually certain

This indicates near certainty, just a bit stronger than "very likely".

are prone to

This alternative focuses on a tendency or inclination towards something, suggesting a high probability.

are apt to

Similar to "prone to", this option indicates a natural tendency or likelihood.

have a high probability of

This alternative restates the concept of high likelihood in a more formal manner.

are anticipated to

This phrase indicates an expectation or prediction that something will happen, implying a significant likelihood.

FAQs

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

Use "are very likely" to express a strong probability. For example, "Given the current weather patterns, thunderstorms "are very likely" this afternoon."

What are some alternatives to "are very likely"?

Alternatives include "are highly probable", "are extremely likely", or "are quite likely". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "are very likely" or "are likely"?

"Are very likely" suggests a stronger probability than "are likely". Choose the phrase that best reflects the degree of certainty you want to express.

Can "are very likely" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "are very likely" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a clear and professional way to indicate a strong probability.