highly likely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "highly likely" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that it is very probable that something will happen. For example: It is highly likely that the weather will be sunny tomorrow.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I'd say it's highly likely".

The New York Times

That seems highly likely.

The Guardian - Business

"It's highly likely.

The Guardian - Tech

Such a resolution seems highly likely.

The New York Times

Another Scottish referendum has become highly likely.

The Guardian - Business

"Music", "song" or "star", are highly likely.

The Guardian - Opinion

Such a pernicious cycle seems highly likely.

The Guardian - Opinion

That is one highly likely scenario.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's not highly likely, but it's possible.

The New York Times - Health

But it seems highly likely that Peterson will start.

The New York Times - Sports

We decided that both of these were highly likely.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "highly likely" to convey a strong sense of probability, but avoid overuse in a single piece of writing. Consider varying your language with synonyms like "very probable" or "almost certain".

Common error

While "highly likely" indicates a strong probability, it's not absolute certainty. Avoid using it when evidence is inconclusive or when acknowledging potential exceptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "highly likely" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a high degree of probability. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, signifying that it adheres to standard English grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "highly likely" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjectival phrase that functions to express a strong probability. According to Ludwig AI, it's considered correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, its neutral register makes it suitable for various forms of communication. When using "highly likely", remember to convey strong probability without overstating certainty, and consider synonyms to diversify your language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

very probable

Indicates a high degree of probability, similar to "highly likely", but with a different emphasis.

extremely probable

Emphasizes the probability even more strongly than "highly likely".

almost certain

Suggests a level of probability very close to certainty.

very likely

A simpler and slightly less formal alternative to "highly likely".

odds-on

An informal term, often used in betting contexts, to indicate a very high probability.

in all likelihood

A more formal and emphatic way of expressing high probability.

most likely

A common and versatile alternative to "highly likely", suitable for various contexts.

quite likely

Indicates a considerable probability, though perhaps slightly less strong than "highly likely".

presumable

Implies something that can be reasonably assumed based on available evidence.

plausible

Suggests that something is believable and likely to be true or happen.

FAQs

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

Use "highly likely" to express a strong probability or expectation. For example, "It is "highly likely" that the meeting will be postponed due to the weather conditions."

What are some alternatives to "highly likely"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "very probable", "almost certain", or "in all likelihood" instead of "highly likely".

Is there a difference between "likely" and "highly likely"?

"Likely" indicates a general probability, while "highly likely" suggests a stronger degree of probability or expectation. Therefore, using "highly" emphasizes the increased possibility of something occurring.

When is it inappropriate to use "highly likely"?

Avoid using "highly likely" when the outcome is uncertain or based on speculation. It's best used when there is substantial evidence or reason to believe something will happen.