i would likely

USAGE SUMMARY

"I would likely" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
This phrase is typically used to express an opinion or forecast a probability. For example, "Given the current economic conditions, I would likely invest in a savings account rather than the stock market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I mused before attending that as a lifelong democrat, I would likely feel like a fish out of water in Minneapolis-St.

Huffington Post

When it comes to sending people birthday and Christmas gifts, I would likely win the award for: "Worst.

The New York Times

If there were a post-apocalyptic gastronomic free-for-all, my mother and I would likely show up to feed.

The New Yorker

"I would likely describe him as a moderate who is instinctively comfortable with a variety of progressive positions.

The New York Times

Helping researchers find books has been an education in and of itself, taking me to aisles and titles I would likely never otherwise explore.

Columbia University

Tuesday in Washington, I would likely fly out from Boston on Monday night rather than early on Tuesday, just to ensure that I arrive on time," Barnhart said.

University of California, Berkeley

Given that I would likely have to conduct company-related due diligence during my internship, I took responsibility for the Apogee-specific research.

Cornell University

Indeed, I could contemplate traveling the entire month of Ramadan, but I would likely not have a job waiting for me when I came back.

The New York Times

Plus, the New York Road Runners would start opening the course to cars at a 15-minute-mile pace, 20 seconds faster than I would likely post.

The New York Times

But with Hurricane Sandy approaching, I knew I would likely need the fireplace for light, heat and maybe some cooking duties.

The New York Times

But they fretted about my being too far from their fold, knowing that I would likely leave empty-handed from my long Cambridge stay.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I would likely" to express a reasoned prediction or expectation based on current information or past experiences. It's suitable for expressing opinions and anticipations in both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While grammatically correct, overuse of "I would likely" can make your writing sound hesitant or uncertain. In formal contexts, consider stronger alternatives like "I expect" or "I predict" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I would likely" functions as a modal adverbial phrase. It modifies a verb, expressing a prediction or expectation with a degree of probability. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in expressing opinions and anticipated actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

22%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I would likely" is a versatile phrase used to express predictions and expectations. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in news and academic writing. While perfectly acceptable, overuse can be avoided by considering alternatives such as "I would probably" or "I am likely to". Remember to use it to express reasoned predictions based on available information, as demonstrated in the provided examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I would probably

Replaces "likely" with "probably", indicating a slightly less formal tone and a very similar degree of possibility.

I am likely to

Changes the structure to use "likely" as an adjective, maintaining a similar level of formality and meaning.

I am inclined to

Indicates a predisposition towards something, suggesting a slightly stronger inclination than "likely".

In all likelihood, I would

Emphasizes the high degree of probability, making it slightly more formal.

It is probable that I would

More formal and emphasizes the probability rather than the personal inclination.

I am apt to

Indicates a natural tendency or inclination, similar to "I am inclined to" but potentially implying a more predictable outcome.

I am prone to

Suggests a tendency or vulnerability towards something, often with a slightly negative connotation.

Chances are I would

An informal way of expressing a high probability or likelihood.

I might

Offers a more concise and less formal way to express a possibility.

I could

Similar to "I might", but can also imply ability or capacity in addition to possibility.

FAQs

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

Use "I would likely" to express a moderate degree of certainty about a future action or event, for example: "If the weather is good, "I would likely" go for a hike".

What are some alternatives to "I would likely"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "I would probably", "I am likely to", or "chances are I would" as alternatives to "I would likely".

Is it better to say "I would likely" or "I am likely to"?

Both "I would likely" and "I am likely to" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on the desired tone and sentence structure. "I am likely to" may sound slightly more formal.

What's the difference between "I would likely" and "I will likely"?

"I would likely" suggests a hypothetical scenario or a conditional probability, while "I will likely" expresses a stronger degree of certainty and a firm intention. For example, "If I have time, "I would likely" visit the museum" versus "I will likely visit the museum tomorrow".