extremely likely

USAGE SUMMARY

"extremely likely" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to indicate something that is very probable or almost certain to happen. Example: It is extremely likely that she will win the race, as she has been training hard and has a natural talent for running.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's extremely likely.

The Guardian

Retaliation and escalation are extremely likely.

The New Yorker

"I'm afraid this is extremely likely".

The Guardian - Opinion

Those left behind are extremely likely to have few qualifications or be unemployed.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I believe it is extremely likely that there is earlier usage than 1969," he said.

The New York Times

Since he was vulnerable, five-five distribution or better was extremely likely.

The New York Times - Arts

A recession, and possibly a banking crisis, now look extremely likely.

The Guardian - Business

"It's extremely likely to see (the cloud model) going forward," Schatz said.

The Washington Post

The Great Indian Bustard is extremely likely to become extinct sooner rather than later.

The Guardian - Books

If you answer "yes" to more than eight, it's extremely likely that you're trapped.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The IPCC's long-awaited fifth assessment report says it is 'extremely likely' that humanity is to blame for global warming.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "extremely likely" when you want to emphasize a very high probability or near certainty, especially in formal writing or when conveying important information where precision is key.

Common error

Avoid using "extremely likely" in casual conversations or informal writing where a simpler phrase like "very likely" or "probably" would be more appropriate. Overusing formal language can sound stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extremely likely" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a high degree of probability. Ludwig provides numerous examples where the phrase is used to express strong expectations or near certainties.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "extremely likely" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express a high degree of probability or near certainty. According to Ludwig, it's suitable for formal and neutral contexts such as news, academic writing, and professional communication. While Ludwig AI validates its correctness, caution should be exercised against overuse in casual settings. Alternatives like "highly probable" or "almost certain" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. The phrase's function is adjectival, its purpose is to inform with a strong sense of expectation, and it enjoys wide acceptance across authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highly probable

Replaces 'likely' with 'probable', maintaining a formal tone and similar level of certainty.

very probable

Uses 'very' instead of 'extremely', resulting in a slightly reduced emphasis on the likelihood.

almost certain

Shifts from likelihood to certainty, suggesting a slightly stronger degree of confidence.

virtually certain

Similar to 'almost certain', emphasizing a near-absolute level of confidence.

in all probability

A formal expression that conveys a strong likelihood or probability.

most likely

A more common alternative, reducing the intensity of the probability.

odds are high

An idiomatic expression indicating a high probability, suitable for informal contexts.

highly anticipated

Changes the context to expectation rather than probability but can imply a high likelihood of something occurring.

very much expected

Expresses anticipation and a high degree of expectation regarding an event or outcome.

it is to be expected

Focuses on the expectation of an event occurring, implying a high degree of likelihood based on prior knowledge or circumstances.

FAQs

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

You can use "extremely likely" to describe events or outcomes that are very probable. For example, "It is extremely likely that the company will announce record profits this quarter."

What phrases can I use instead of "extremely likely"?

Alternatives include "highly probable", "almost certain", or "very likely", depending on the context and the desired level of formality.

Is there a difference between "extremely likely" and "very likely"?

"Extremely likely" suggests a higher degree of probability compared to "very likely". While both indicate a strong chance of something happening, "extremely likely" implies near certainty.

When should I use "extremely likely" versus "most likely"?

Use "extremely likely" when you want to emphasize a very strong probability, bordering on certainty. "Most likely" is suitable for situations where the probability is high but not as definitive.