difference is likely to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difference is likely to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the probability or expectation of a difference occurring in a particular context or situation. Example: "The difference is likely to impact the overall results of the experiment significantly."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The reason for the difference is likely to be the different platforms being used and different protocols for cDNA synthesis and equipment.

BMC Genomics

This difference is likely to reflect the different methods of cerebral blood flow measurement.

Intensive Care Medicine Experimental

The difference is likely to be caused by different leaf angle distribution and canopy architecture in these forest types.

ISPRS Journal of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing

Part of the difference is likely to be caused by different age groups and sampling methods.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Part of this difference is likely to be due to the different approaches used in the measurement of gene expression.

BMC Genomics

The rationale of this difference is likely to be related on the different memory behaviour of the two tools.

BioMed Research International

Beliefs associated with a physical illness may differ from those which are not, but the difference is likely to be on emphasis rather than in specific content.

BMC Family Practice

Such difference is likely to be caused by academic disciplines' different trainings in research design: compared with their peers in the Science divisions, students enrolled in the Arts division in China tend to have less opportunities to conduct independent research.

Functional Linguistics

And this difference is likely to affect their future careers.

The Guardian

But, anywhere near the city, that difference is likely to be difficult to perceive.

The Guardian

But new research suggests that the basis for the difference is likely to be inborn and genetic.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "difference is likely to", ensure that the context clearly establishes what two or more things are being compared. For example, "The difference in reaction times is likely to be caused by variations in sleep quality."

Common error

Avoid presenting "difference is likely to" as a definitive explanation. Instead, acknowledge that other factors may also contribute to the observed difference. For example, instead of "The difference is likely to be the sole cause", consider "The difference is likely to be a significant factor".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difference is likely to" functions as a modal expression used to indicate the probable cause or explanation for a discrepancy. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's used to express an opinion, assumption or expectation, not as a definitive statement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "difference is likely to" is a versatile expression used to suggest a probable explanation for a disparity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across varied contexts, particularly in scientific and news-related domains. When using the phrase, it is best to ensure context clearly establishes what's being compared and avoid presenting it as a definitive explanation. As the frequency and range of the analyzed sources demonstrate, mastering this phrase is very useful for sophisticated and varied forms of English communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the difference plausibly results from

Employs "plausibly" instead of "likely" to emphasize reasonableness.

the difference potentially arises from

Uses "potentially" to specify a possibility instead of a likelihood.

the distinction reasonably originates from

Suggests that origin or source of difference is logical.

the difference probably stems from

Replaces "is likely to" with a more direct assertion of causation.

the contrast perhaps results from

Expresses a lower level of certainty.

the divergence probably stems from

Indicates probability instead of certainty.

the difference conceivably originates in

Substitutes "is likely to" to present a possibility with a degree of imagination.

the difference arguably derives from

Replaces "is likely to" with an explicit suggestion of debate.

the disparity seemingly comes from

It frames the difference as an apparent result or consequence.

the variance may be attributed to

It uses a different verb to show possible origin, focusing on attribution.

FAQs

How can I use "difference is likely to" in a sentence?

Use "difference is likely to" to suggest a probable cause or explanation for a variation between two or more things. For example, "The "difference is likely to increase" over time."

What are some alternatives to "difference is likely to"?

You can use alternatives such as "difference is probably due to", "difference may be attributed to", or "difference plausibly results from" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "difference is likely to"?

Yes, the phrase "difference is likely to" is grammatically correct and commonly used to express a probable reason or explanation for an observed difference.

What does "difference is likely to" imply?

The phrase "difference is likely to" implies that, based on available information or understanding, a specific factor is the most probable cause or explanation for the variation being discussed. It suggests a degree of confidence but does not assert absolute certainty.