but likely not

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but likely not" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express doubt or uncertainty about a statement or situation that has just been mentioned. Example: "I believe the event will be well attended, but likely not as many people as last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The films that most movie buffs know about, and maybe have seen, but likely not projected at a state-of-the-art facility like BAM. "It really did begin with 'I want to see Hollywood Shuffle in a theater'" Killian confesses.

The Guardian - Film

But likely not until the two sides have played some more hardball.

The New York Times

(You can probably name the C.E.O. of Uber but likely not the leaders of Walmart, Chevron, or Coke).

The New Yorker

If true, then that will make things easier on the senior level, but likely not on a junior level.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ireland's government becomes the first, but likely not the last, to be brought down by the shocks battering the euro.

The New York Times

Ultimately, a pragmatic consideration applies: The new administration has only so much funding remaining to rescue the banks, but likely not enough to launch a more aggressive intervention.

The Guardian - Opinion

Kurdish voters overwhelmingly chose Kurdish parties, although they split their vote in a way that could dilute their bargaining power but likely not their demands.

The New York Times

People pining for a Google Maps app on their Apple devices will get one eventually, but likely not for another couple months or so.

The New York Times

Jeff McCall, a communications professor at DePauw University, said that Ms. Couric "has value for CBS going forward, but likely not in the anchor chair long term and not at that salary".

The New York Times

Anonymous US officials described to reporters plans for "limited" strikes on Syria that would last multiple days but likely no more than three and that would hit military installations but likely not chemical weapons stockpiles.

The Guardian

A seamless and easy experience is necessary, but likely not sufficient.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but likely not" to introduce a note of doubt or uncertainty following a statement. It's effective for softening claims or expressing reservations without outright denial.

Common error

While "but likely not" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using alternatives like "however", "nevertheless", or "it is doubtful" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but likely not" functions as a conjunctive phrase to introduce a contrasting idea that expresses doubt or uncertainty. It typically follows a statement and suggests that the preceding statement may not be entirely accurate or may not occur as expected. Ludwig provides examples where it softens claims or expresses reservations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

32%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but likely not" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a degree of doubt or uncertainty. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in news, scientific writing, and general discourse. It serves to qualify statements, manage expectations, and express reservations without complete negation. While considered neutral in register, it's important to vary language and avoid overuse in more formal settings. Alternatives like "however" or "it's doubtful" can add nuance and sophistication to your writing. Be sure to use "but certainly not" only when absolute certainty is implied. Understanding its function and appropriate usage will enhance the clarity and precision of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but probably not

Replaces "likely" with "probably", offering a more common synonym to express doubt.

but most likely not

Adds emphasis by including "most" before "likely", strengthening the sense of improbability.

but it's unlikely

Shifts the structure to a more direct statement about the unlikelihood of something.

though it's doubtful

Uses "doubtful" instead of "unlikely" to convey uncertainty.

however, that's improbable

Replaces "likely not" with "that's improbable", offering a slightly more formal tone.

but the chances are slim

Employs a more figurative expression to suggest a low probability.

yet, that's not very probable

Combines "yet" for contrast and "not very probable" to express a reduced likelihood.

although it seems doubtful

Uses "although" to introduce a contrasting idea and "doubtful" to express uncertainty.

but it's questionable

Replaces the entire phrase with a single word indicating doubt or uncertainty.

but don't count on it

Offers a more informal and cautionary alternative.

FAQs

How can I use "but likely not" in a sentence?

Use "but likely not" to express uncertainty or doubt about a previous statement. For example, "The project should be completed on time, but likely not ahead of schedule."

What are some alternatives to "but likely not"?

You can use alternatives such as "but probably not", "but most likely not", or "however that's improbable" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to use "but likely not"?

Yes, "but likely not" is grammatically correct and commonly used to express doubt or uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability.

What's the difference between "but likely not" and "but certainly not"?

"But likely not" expresses a degree of uncertainty, while "but certainly not" indicates a stronger conviction that something will not happen. The former suggests a possibility, however small, whereas the latter implies near impossibility.