he will likely

USAGE SUMMARY

"he will likely" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is used to express the high probability or likelihood of something happening in the future. Example: He will likely be late for the meeting, as he always gets stuck in traffic during rush hour.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In fact, he will likely do worse, like he does every season.

Vice

He will likely convince me.

The New York Times

He will likely get it.

The New Yorker

He will likely run for president in 2016.

The New York Times

And, if captured by cameras, he will likely appear sombre.

The New Yorker

He will likely lead China for a decade.

The New York Times

School officials said he will likely miss the entire season.

The New York Times - Sports

He will likely be the other starting defensive tackle.

The New York Times - Sports

Even so, he will likely win on Sunday.

The New Yorker

If Brackman needs surgery, he will likely miss 18 months.

The New York Times - Sports

In Denver, he will likely have the opportunity.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he will likely" when you want to express a strong probability about a future action or state concerning a male subject. Ensure the context supports the level of certainty you are conveying.

Common error

Avoid using "he will likely" when the situation is purely speculative or based on weak evidence. In such cases, consider using softer phrases like "he might" or "it's possible that he will."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he will likely" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, expressing a high degree of probability or expectation. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in various contexts to indicate what is expected to happen.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he will likely" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a strong probability or expectation about a future event concerning a male subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is often used in news and media contexts to make predictions or express informed opinions. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to avoid overstating certainty in speculative situations. Alternatives like "he is expected to" or "chances are he will" can offer stylistic variation. This phrase is a valuable tool for conveying likelihood with confidence, ensuring clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is probable that he will

Rephrases using "probable" to indicate a strong likelihood, shifting the emphasis from the subject to the probability itself.

in all probability he will

Adds a formal tone by explicitly stating "in all probability".

it's highly possible he will

Uses "highly possible" to emphasize the strong likelihood of the event.

he is expected to

Uses "expected" to convey an anticipation or expectation based on current circumstances.

he is anticipated to

Similar to "expected", but suggests a more formal or official anticipation.

chances are he will

Employs a more informal idiom to suggest a high probability.

he is bound to

Implies a sense of inevitability or obligation, suggesting a strong likelihood.

he is poised to

Suggests readiness and a high probability of acting in a specific way.

he is apt to

Indicates a natural tendency or inclination, making the action likely.

he is liable to

Implies a risk or potential for something to happen, making it likely.

FAQs

How can I use "he will likely" in a sentence?

Use "he will likely" to express a strong expectation or probability about a future action or state concerning a male subject. For example, "He will likely be late" indicates a high probability of his lateness.

What phrases are similar to "he will likely"?

Alternatives include "he is expected to", "it is probable that he will", or "chances are he will", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "he will likely" more or less formal than "he probably will"?

"He will likely" and "he probably will" are quite similar in formality, both suitable for neutral to slightly formal contexts. The choice often depends on personal preference or stylistic variation.

When should I avoid using "he will likely"?

Avoid using "he will likely" when the situation is highly uncertain or purely speculative. In such cases, consider using phrases like "he might" or "it's possible that he will".