as seems likely

USAGE SUMMARY

"as seems likely" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are speculating or indicating that something may be the case based on evidence. For example: "The new law could pass as seems likely given the current political climate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

If both bills fail to pass, as seems likely, bargaining on a compromise will intensify.

The New York Times

IF, AS seems likely, consumer banking in China takes a great leap forward, Guangdong Development Bank has obvious appeal.

The Economist

If unions do not like it, as seems likely, they will call a general strike.

The Economist

Even if the Foster scheme goes ahead, as seems likely, there is need for continuing debate.

The Guardian

If there is more improvement to come, as seems likely, he will be a contender.

The Guardian - Sport

If, as seems likely, Scotland were to block article 50, what would happen then?

The Guardian

If, as seems likely, house prices are the main cause, then it is probably the former.

The Economist

If further developments yield a more potent gel, as seems likely, the impact could be substantial.

The New York Times

If, as seems likely, they ballot in favour, the armed forces stand ready to step in.

The Economist

If it falls short, as seems likely, tar sands extraction will bear much of the blame.

The New York Times

If it drops a bit, as seems likely, revenues may still rise.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider including a brief explanation of why something "as seems likely". This can strengthen your argument and improve readability. For example: "The company will likely announce record profits this quarter, as seems likely given the recent surge in sales figures."

Common error

Avoid using "as seems likely" when you intend to convey absolute certainty. This phrase introduces an element of uncertainty, so using it inappropriately can undermine your credibility. Choose a stronger, more decisive phrase if certainty is warranted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as seems likely" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a clause or sentence to express a degree of probability or expectation. Ludwig examples show its usage in predicting outcomes or assessing situations based on current evidence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as seems likely" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to express a reasoned expectation or probability based on available evidence. As Ludwig highlights, it is grammatically correct and commonly found in news and media sources. While synonyms like "most likely" and "in all probability" exist, "as seems likely" provides a nuanced way to convey a degree of uncertainty. When using this phrase, ensure that the context supports the expectation and avoid overstating certainty. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for a variety of writing contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most likely

A more concise and direct substitute for the original phrase.

in all probability

Replaces "seems" with a stronger indicator of probability.

in all likelihood

Similar to "in all probability" but with a slight variation in wording.

it is probable that

A more formal way of expressing likelihood.

presumably

Suggests an assumption based on reasonable evidence.

it is expected that

Focuses on expectation rather than likelihood.

it is reasonable to assume

Highlights the rationality behind the assumption.

one would expect

Shifts the focus to what is generally anticipated.

chances are

An informal way of saying something is likely.

it's a good bet that

An idiomatic expression indicating high probability.

FAQs

How can I use "as seems likely" in a sentence?

Use "as seems likely" to express a reasoned expectation based on available evidence. For instance, "The project will be completed on time, "as seems likely" given the current progress."

What's a more formal alternative to "as seems likely"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "in all probability" or "it is probable that".

Is "as seems likely" appropriate for scientific writing?

Yes, "as seems likely" can be appropriate in scientific writing when presenting hypotheses or predictions that are supported by evidence but not yet definitively proven.

What are some common synonyms for "as seems likely"?

Common synonyms include "most likely", "in all likelihood", and "presumably".