be less likely to

USAGE SUMMARY

"be less likely to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that one thing happening is less likely than another. For example: "People who exercise regularly are less likely to be obese."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Will unqualified teachers be less likely to be unionised?

The Guardian

I'd be less likely to need to throw up.

The New York Times - Magazine

Construction noise would be less likely to disturb migrating whales.

The New York Times

Will Romney's supporters be less likely to turn out?

The Guardian - Opinion

Perhaps then the money will be less likely to disappear.

The New York Times

But they may also be less likely to vote for him.

The New York Times

Young cattle are believed to be less likely to carry mad cow disease.

The New York Times

(With fewer casualties, they argued the president would be less likely to be "self-deterred").

The New York Times

Ventura would be less likely to accept a one-year offer from another team.

The New York Times - Sports

Without the hormone-induced changes, they would be less likely to find a mate.

The New York Times - Science

Management at IBP would be less likely to stick around if Smithfield bought the company".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be less likely to" when you want to express a reduced probability based on certain conditions or factors. For instance, "Students who attend class regularly are less likely to fail."

Common error

Avoid using "be less likely to" when you mean something is impossible. The phrase indicates a reduced chance, not a complete absence of possibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be less likely to" functions as a modal verb phrase used to express a diminished probability or possibility. Examples from Ludwig show it describing reduced chances in various scenarios, such as "be less likely to disturb migrating whales" or "be less likely to vote for him."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be less likely to" is a versatile and grammatically correct expression used to indicate a reduced probability of an event or action. As confirmed by Ludwig, its frequent appearance across reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian highlights its widespread acceptance in both formal and informal contexts. While alternatives like "be less inclined to" or "have a lower chance of" exist, understanding the subtle differences in meaning ensures accurate and effective communication. Remember to use it to suggest a decrease in likelihood, not impossibility, and make sure your comparison is clear.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be less probable to

Replaces "likely" with its direct synonym, "probable", maintaining identical meaning.

be unlikely to

Uses the direct opposite of "likely" to express a low probability.

be less inclined to

Substitutes "likely" with "inclined", focusing on a reduced willingness or disposition.

be less apt to

Replaces "likely" with "apt", indicating a decreased natural tendency.

have a lower chance of

Uses a different construction to express reduced probability, focusing on chance.

be at a lower risk of

Emphasizes a reduced risk or vulnerability instead of general likelihood.

be less susceptible to

Highlights a decreased susceptibility or vulnerability to something.

diminish in likelihood of

This is a more formal and complex way of saying something is becoming less likely.

prove less likely to

Adds the element of evidence or demonstration that something is not as likely.

be less prone to

Indicates a reduced natural tendency or predisposition.

FAQs

How can I use "be less likely to" in a sentence?

Use "be less likely to" to indicate a reduced probability of an event or action. For example, "If you study hard, you'll "be less likely to" fail the exam."

What are some alternatives to "be less likely to"?

You can use alternatives like "be less inclined to", "have a lower chance of", or "be unlikely to" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "be less likely to" or "be unlikely to"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but ""be less likely to"" implies a comparison or degree of probability, while "be unlikely to" suggests a lower probability in general. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "be less likely to" and "be less prone to"?

"Be less likely to" refers to a general reduction in probability. "Be less prone to" suggests a decreased natural tendency or susceptibility. For example, you might be "less likely to" miss a train if you check the schedule, but "less prone to" catching a cold if you have a strong immune system.