be likely to prove

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be likely to prove" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the probability or expectation that something will be demonstrated or shown to be true. Example: "The new evidence is likely to prove the defendant's innocence in the case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Such responses now would be likely to prove counterproductive in the fight against terrorism.

The New York Times

Even if Syria found new markets, analysts noted, insuring shipments would be likely to prove impossible.

The New York Times

Leeds's reported £10m offer for Muzzy Izzet would be likely to prove irresistible as a way of financing reinforcements.

The Guardian - Sport

"PAWB has warned for years that the costs associated with the Wylfa project would be likely to prove fatal to the project, but we were ignored.

University of Chicago

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Many experts say, though, that efforts like these are likely to prove futile.

The New York Times

The EU is likely to prove that like Hotel California, once you enter you can never leave.

Forbes

This is likely to prove extremely controversial.

The Economist

This is likely to prove a mistake.

The Guardian

And 2001 is likely to prove it.

The New York Times

That is likely to prove increasingly difficult.

The Guardian

These trends are likely to prove temporary.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be likely to prove" when you want to express a reasonable expectation that something will be shown or demonstrated to be true through evidence or experience. It is suitable for formal and academic writing.

Common error

Avoid stacking qualifiers such as "very likely to probably prove". Choose the strongest and most direct wording to maintain clarity and impact. For instance, "will demonstrate" or "is certain to prove" might be more effective.

Linguistic Context

To act as a modal verb phrase, indicating the probability or expectation that something will be demonstrated or validated. This phrase introduces an element of prediction or anticipation based on available evidence or reasoning, as shown in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

25%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be likely to prove" functions as a modal verb phrase to express the probability or expectation that something will be demonstrated or validated. Ludwig's analysis indicates it is grammatically correct and most frequently found in News & Media and Academia. While not overly common, it serves to temper assertions and introduce an element of prediction. The expression maintains a neutral register and, according to Ludwig AI, is suitable for various contexts, allowing for clear and precise communication. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended nuance of probability without guaranteeing certainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is expected to demonstrate

Replaces "likely" with "expected" and "prove" with "demonstrate", shifting emphasis slightly to anticipation rather than potential evidence.

is probable to show

Substitutes "likely" with "probable" and "prove" with "show", resulting in a more direct and less formal tone.

will probably turn out to be

Emphasizes the eventual outcome with "turn out to be", adding a sense of unfolding revelation.

is anticipated to evidence

Uses more formal synonyms, "anticipated" for "likely" and "evidence" for "prove", increasing the sophistication of the language.

is apt to confirm

Replaces "likely" with "apt" and "prove" with "confirm", suggesting a natural tendency toward verification.

is set to validate

Implies a planned or predetermined validation, changing the nuance from potential to scheduled confirmation.

figures to establish

Uses a more colloquial expression "figures to" for "is likely to", creating a more casual tone while maintaining the sense of establishing something.

should substantiate

Replaces "is likely to prove" with a modal verb and "substantiate", indicating an expectation based on obligation or correctness.

may well verify

Uses "may well" for a slightly weaker degree of certainty and "verify" for "prove", suggesting a possible but not definite confirmation.

could serve to demonstrate

Presents a potential function rather than a probability, making it suitable for contexts where capability is emphasized over likelihood.

FAQs

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

Use "be likely to prove" to indicate that something will probably demonstrate a particular fact or outcome. For example, "The new data is likely to prove the hypothesis correct."

What can I say instead of "be likely to prove"?

You can use alternatives like "is expected to demonstrate", "is probable to show", or "will probably turn out to be" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "be likely to prove" and "be likely to show"?

"Be likely to prove" suggests a more rigorous demonstration or establishment of a fact, whereas "be likely to show" implies a simpler, more evident display. The choice depends on the context and the strength of evidence being presented.

Is "be likely to prove" formal or informal?

"Be likely to prove" is generally considered a neutral to formal expression. While appropriate in academic and professional contexts, it might sound slightly stilted in very casual conversation.