chances are I will

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "chances are I will" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a likelihood or probability of an event occurring in the future. Example: "Chances are I will attend the meeting if my schedule allows."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Designers, take note: "If it's iridescent, chances are I will love it".

The New York Times - Magazine

"I'm president of one of the larger companies in the U.S.," Mr. O'Rourke said, "yet chances are I will never become a millionaire".

The New Yorker

I do worry what I will be like when I am 50 or 55. "I hope I will still be active and not need knee and hip replacements but the chances are I will face surgery in middle age.

The Guardian - Sport

But chances are I will end up micromanaging that intern.

Vice

And chances are, I will now never interview the sheikh of Bilal bin Rabah.

Vice

I find that when I'm dressed nicely, even if I'm just sitting at home, chances are I will find something exciting to do to make that outfit worthwhile.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Chances are I'll eat at Nando's before the week is out.

The Guardian - Opinion

So if I want to get a job after I graduate the chances are I'll be moving to London.

The Guardian

Chances are I'll never listen to Skeleton Tree again, but it will stick with me forever.

The Guardian - Music

"Chances are, I'll probably never see you folks again; you'll work everything out," he said, laughing.

The New Yorker

I say informal because chances are I'll watch the hockey and give you periodic updates on the rest.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "chances are I will", ensure the context clearly supports a statement of probability rather than certainty. This phrase works best when the outcome isn't guaranteed.

Common error

Avoid using "chances are I will" when you are absolutely certain about an outcome. This phrase introduces an element of doubt or possibility, so reserve it for situations where there's a real chance things could go either way.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chances are I will" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb phrase. It expresses a subjective probability about a future action or event. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "chances are I will" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase for expressing likelihood or probability. It functions as an adverbial phrase to modify the verb, according to Ludwig. While suitable for most contexts, more formal settings may benefit from more precise language. Examples show frequent usage in News & Media. When writing, remember to use this phrase to express possibilities, not certainties. The phrase indicates a likelihood or expectation regarding a future action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's likely that I will

Emphasizes the probability of a future event.

I'll probably

A more concise way to express likelihood.

I am likely to

Formal way to state a likely future action.

it is probable I will

Highlights the probability of an event occurring.

I anticipate that I will

Suggests expectation about a future action.

I expect to

Indicates a degree of certainty about a future event.

I foresee that I will

Implies foresight about a future action.

I predict I will

Expresses a prediction of a future event.

I suspect that I will

Indicates a belief without firm evidence.

I imagine I will

Suggests a supposition or a thought.

FAQs

How can I use "chances are I will" in a sentence?

Use "chances are I will" to express a likely outcome. For example, "Chances are I will attend the conference if I can get the funding."

What are some alternatives to "chances are I will"?

You can use alternatives like "it's likely that I will", "I'll probably", or "I am likely to" depending on the context.

Is "chances are I will" formal or informal?

"Chances are I will" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives like "it is probable that I will" may be preferred in academic or professional settings.

What's the difference between "chances are I will" and "I definitely will"?

"Chances are I will" implies a strong possibility but not a certainty, while "I definitely will" indicates a firm commitment and a lack of doubt. Use "chances are I will" when there's still a small degree of uncertainty.