be unlikely to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be unlikely to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a low probability or expectation of something happening. Example: "Given the current circumstances, it seems that the project will be unlikely to meet its original deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He will be unlikely to get one.

The Guardian - Opinion

Goldsmith would be unlikely to qualify on either count.

The Guardian

Burnside thinks India would be unlikely to accept them either.

The Guardian

Anyone who did would be unlikely to finish the race.

The New Yorker

Service would be unlikely to begin before 2024.

Independent

HANDLED well, Ebola should be unlikely to become a pandemic.

The Economist

But they will be unlikely to make much difference.

The Economist

But it also would be unlikely to reassure many investors.

The New York Times

It would be unlikely to recover from a second failure.

Independent

And any ruling in a lawsuit would be unlikely to come in four weeks.

The New York Times

Limited bombing campaigns would be "unlikely to destroy Iran's main capability" to produce weapons-grade uranium.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be unlikely to" in formal writing, ensure that the context clearly supports the cautious tone. Overuse can make your writing seem hesitant or indecisive.

Common error

Avoid using "be unlikely to" when the outcome is already certain. Instead, opt for stronger phrases like "will not" or "is impossible to" to convey a definitive result.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be unlikely to" functions as a modal verb phrase used to express a prediction or expectation that something is improbable. It softens a statement, suggesting a possibility remains, although it is not the expected outcome. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be unlikely to" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a low probability or expectation. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. Its applications span across various contexts, including news, science, and formal communication. While it's essential to use this phrase to express doubt or caution, avoid using it when certainty is required. Alternatives include "be improbable to" and "not expected to". By understanding its nuances, you can effectively integrate "be unlikely to" into your writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be improbable to

Replaces "unlikely" with "improbable", suggesting a slightly stronger degree of doubt.

be not expected to

Focuses on the lack of expectation rather than the probability.

be doubtful to

Emphasizes the uncertainty surrounding the event.

be prone to not

Indicates a tendency against a particular outcome.

be apt to not

Suggests a natural disinclination or lack of suitability.

be remote possibility to

Highlights the very low chance of something happening.

have a low probability of

Directly states the low probability of an event.

be against the odds to

Implies that the circumstances are working against the event.

not stand a good chance of

Indicates a poor prospect of success or occurrence.

be out of the question to

Signifies that an event is not a viable option or possibility.

FAQs

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

The phrase "be unlikely to" expresses a low probability or expectation. For example, "Given the current economic climate, interest rates "are unlikely to rise" significantly this year."

What are some alternatives to "be unlikely to"?

You can use alternatives like "be improbable to", "be doubtful to", or "not expected to" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "is unlikely to"?

Yes, "is unlikely to" is grammatically correct and widely used. For example, "It "is unlikely to rain" today, so we can plan our outdoor activities."

What is the difference between "be unlikely to" and "will not"?

"Be unlikely to" suggests a low probability but doesn't completely rule out the possibility. "Will not", on the other hand, indicates a certainty that something won't happen. For example, "They "are unlikely to attend" the meeting" suggests they probably won't come, while "They "will not attend" the meeting" means they definitely won't be there.