but likely

USAGE SUMMARY

"but likely" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used as an adverb to express a possibility or likelihood. For example, "The forecast calls for rain, but likely it will pass quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Date tbc but likely to be May/June.

Independent

It's disappointing, but likely we will have to accept this".

The Guardian

Price: TBC, but likely to be around the £399 mark.

The Guardian - Tech

Look for some squad rotation, but likely conservative road tactics.

The Guardian - Sport

R2 is poorly constrained, but likely also represents a lithological contrast.

Marine Geology

Adolescents are interested in weight control but likely practice unhealthy weight control behaviors.

Journal of Pediatric Nursing

The image is undated but likely comes from the period from 1930 to 1950.

Princeton University

Taxi apps would still have been developed, but likely with different effects on drivers.

University of California, Berkeley

Actual discretionary sales are observable to researchers, but likely endogenous for two reasons.

Harvard University

Its eventual adoption is possible, but likely will require an activist Democrat chairing the SEC.

Columbia University

The federal Department of Justice could step in but likely won't, say MacCoun and Mello.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "but likely", ensure the contrasting element is clear and adds meaningful nuance to the statement. Avoid using it redundantly; if the "but" doesn't provide a genuine contrast, consider using "likely" alone.

Common error

Avoid using "but likely" when the contrast is weak or nonexistent. Overuse can make your writing sound hesitant or unfocused. If the "but" doesn't significantly alter the meaning, remove it for a more direct and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but likely" functions as a conjunction adverbial phrase, modifying a clause or sentence by expressing a degree of probability while also indicating a contrast. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English. The "but" introduces a contrasting element, while "likely" softens the statement with a sense of possibility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

37%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but likely" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to convey probability with a contrasting element. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is employed across various contexts, including news, science, and academic writing. While "but likely" enjoys widespread usage, it is crucial to ensure that the contrasting element introduced by "but" is meaningful and not redundant. Alternative phrases such as "though probably" or "however probable" can be considered for stylistic variation. Avoiding overuse and ensuring a clear contrast will help to maintain clarity and impact in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

though probably

Emphasizes the element of doubt or contrast, replacing "likely" with a synonym implying probability.

however probable

Replaces the conjunction and adverb with a contrasting adverb and adjective emphasizing likelihood.

yet plausibly

Substitutes "likely" with "plausibly", highlighting the believability or possibility despite a contrast.

even so, presumably

Replaces the phrase with an alternative suggesting something is presumed true despite a contrast.

nonetheless expected

Highlights the anticipation or expectation, contrasting it with a preceding statement.

still, in all probability

Emphasizes the probability or likelihood of something, despite a previous statement suggesting otherwise.

despite that, it is anticipated

Focuses on the anticipation of an event or outcome despite a contrasting element.

conversely, it's reasonable to expect

Introduces a contrasting perspective, while highlighting a reasonable expectation.

on the other hand, it's projected

Expresses an alternative view alongside a forecast or projection.

contrary to that, odds are

Indicates that the odds favor a certain outcome, despite a contrasting point.

FAQs

How can I use "but likely" in a sentence?

Use "but likely" to introduce a statement that is probable despite a previous contrasting point. For example, "The project faces challenges, but likely it will be completed on time."

What's a formal alternative to "but likely"?

In formal writing, consider using phrases like "however probable", "yet plausibly", or "nonetheless expected" as alternatives to "but likely".

How does "but likely" differ from "however"?

"However" introduces a contrasting statement, while "but likely" introduces a statement that is probable despite a preceding contrast. "However" focuses on the opposition, while "but likely" emphasizes the likelihood. You can use alternatives like "though probably" instead.

Is it redundant to use "but likely" after a strong contradiction?

Yes, using "but likely" after a strong contradiction can sometimes be redundant. Ensure that the "but" adds meaningful nuance and isn't merely restating the obvious. You can use alternatives like "still, in all probability".