exactly likely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exactly likely" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It is not a standard expression and may confuse readers due to the contradictory nature of "exactly" and "likely." Example: "The chances of winning the lottery are not exactly likely, but they do exist."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

No, there won't, because women watch television, and what they've been seeing lately is not exactly likely to encourage baby having.

The New York Times - Arts

If you give an already underwhelmed teenager a copy of Romeo and Juliet, they're not exactly likely to be bouncing off the walls with excitement.

The Guardian

Imminent bankruptcy and frantic needs for monetization aren't exactly likely.

Forbes

On the other hand, it's not exactly likely that global business leaders are going to lead the way to end global poverty.

Huffington Post

Couple that with their rampant rate of reproduction and the frenetic lifestyle of the modern human, and the scourge of bed bugs isn't exactly likely to disappear in the near future.

Vice

But since persisting in spite of punishing experiences is literally written into the definition of the problem, punitive or humiliating approaches are not exactly likely to work and they don't.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Now, my version of gluten-free chicken nuggets is likely not exactly like theirs, but it is extremely close.

Huffington Post

It is hard to know exactly how likely that is — other than that the probability is certainty low.

The New York Times

The report is nuanced and complex, and does not try to quantify exactly the likely downstream effect of the dam on Egypt's water supply.

The Guardian

When he drives to the basket, he is exactly as likely to go to his left as to his right, but when he goes to his left, he is less effective.

The New York Times - Magazine

By analysing figures, it took me just half an hour to confirm that: Sickness benefit claimants are exactly as likely as anyone else to commit a crime Almost half of the "offences" referred to in the DWP report were minor misdemeanours that only warranted a fine or caution But, most importantly, we find a group desperate to work, not desperate to claim benefits.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "exactly likely" in formal writing. Opt for clearer and more conventional phrases like "highly probable" or "very likely" to ensure your message is easily understood.

Common error

Don't combine "exactly" with probability terms. "Exactly" implies precision, while "likely" indicates uncertainty. These terms contradict each other, creating confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exactly likely" functions as an attempt to modify an adjective ("likely") with an adverb ("exactly"). However, it's grammatically unsound because "exactly" implies precision, which contradicts the inherent uncertainty of "likely". Ludwig AI identifies this issue.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exactly likely" is grammatically incorrect due to the contradictory nature of its components: "exactly", which implies precision, and "likely", which indicates uncertainty. Ludwig AI analysis confirms this, and as such, the phrase is unsuitable for formal or professional use. Instead, opt for more precise alternatives such as "highly probable", "very likely", or "almost certain" to convey your intended meaning effectively. While the goal might be to express a strong possibility, "exactly likely" undermines clarity and should be avoided in favor of more accepted and grammatically sound expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highly likely

Suggests a high probability, closely aligned with "highly probable".

very likely

Indicates a good chance, similar to "quite likely" but slightly stronger.

most likely

Implies that something is the most probable outcome among several possibilities.

highly probable

Indicates a strong chance of something happening, emphasizing a high degree of likelihood.

very probable

Similar to "highly probable" but may suggest a slightly lesser degree of certainty.

quite likely

Suggests a good chance of something occurring, though not necessarily a certainty.

almost certain

Conveys a very high degree of confidence that something will happen.

virtually certain

Similar to "almost certain", suggesting a near-guarantee.

practically certain

Emphasizes the strong likelihood to the point of being almost guaranteed.

assuredly

Expresses confidence and certainty about an event or outcome.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to the phrase "exactly likely"?

Instead of "exactly likely", consider using phrases like "highly probable", "very likely", or "most likely" to convey a sense of strong possibility.

Is it grammatically correct to say "exactly likely"?

No, the phrase "exactly likely" is not grammatically correct. "Exactly" implies precision and certainty, while "likely" indicates probability and uncertainty. Using them together creates a contradiction.

In what contexts should I avoid using "exactly likely"?

It's best to avoid using "exactly likely" in all contexts, especially in formal writing, academic papers, or professional communications, as it is not a recognized or accepted phrase.

How can I express a strong possibility in a more precise way?

To express a strong possibility more precisely, use phrases such as "almost certain" or "virtually certain" if you want to convey a high degree of confidence. If the likelihood is high but not definite, "highly likely" or "very probable" are suitable alternatives.