be likely to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'be likely to' is correct and very commonly used in written English.
It means 'have a high chance or probability of', as in: The weather forecast suggests it is likely to rain tomorrow.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

More gridlock would be likely to follow.

The New York Times

Would this be likely to happen?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Many parents would be likely to disagree.

The Guardian

Too sweet to be likely to happen.

The Guardian - Opinion

You'll be likely to leave a tip.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Would employees be likely to oppose this?

Harvard Business Review

I would be likely to say, "Oh, that was cool".

The New York Times

The results would be likely to be very uneven.

The Guardian - Money

—It's not memory they'll be likely to poke.

The Guardian - Books

We know that they'd be likely to feel fairly aggrieved.

The Guardian - Film

No patch club would be likely to argue with this.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be likely to" when you want to express a reasonable expectation or probability, based on available evidence or understanding. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "be likely to" is acceptable, avoid overuse in passive constructions. Active voice often provides clearer and more direct communication. For example, instead of "Mistakes are likely to be made", consider "People are likely to make mistakes".

How to use

Learn how to use "be likely to" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be likely to" functions as a modal expression, indicating a degree of probability or expectation regarding a future event or action. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a common and grammatically sound way to express likelihood.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be likely to" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to express probability or expectation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a common expression that appears frequently across diverse contexts, particularly in news, academic writing, and formal communications. While generally neutral in tone, it is crucial to avoid overuse in passive voice constructions and to choose alternative phrases like "be probable to" or "tend to" for variety. By following these guidelines, writers can effectively and clearly communicate likelihood in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be probable to

This alternative suggests a high degree of probability, similar to "be likely to", but with a slightly more formal tone.

be expected to

This phrase indicates an anticipation or prediction based on current knowledge or trends.

have a good chance of

This phrase expresses a positive probability of something happening.

is anticipated to

Expresses a forward-looking expectation, often used in formal or official contexts.

be apt to

This alternative suggests a natural tendency or inclination towards something.

is foreseen to

Implies a prediction or expectation based on insight or foresight.

stand a good chance of

Emphasizes the positive probability of an event occurring, indicating favorable conditions.

tend to

This phrase describes a habitual or frequent occurrence.

be prone to

This option suggests a susceptibility or vulnerability to something, often negative.

be inclined to

This indicates a predisposition or willingness towards something.

FAQs

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

Use "be likely to" to express that something has a high probability of happening. For example, "It is likely to rain tomorrow", or "They are likely to accept the offer".

What phrases can I use instead of "be likely to"?

You can use alternatives like "be probable to", "be expected to", or "tend to", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "will likely" instead of "be likely to"?

While "will likely" is sometimes used, "be likely to" is generally considered more grammatically correct and is preferred in formal writing. Also be careful to not confuse it with phrases like "very likely" or "more than likely".

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

"Be likely to" indicates a high probability, while "be certain to" suggests a guaranteed outcome. Use "be certain to" when you have no doubt about the result.