in all likelihood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in all likelihood" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about something that is likely to happen or be true. For example: "In all likelihood, the weather tomorrow will be sunny and warm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In all likelihood: yes.

Independent

In all likelihood, none.

The New York Times - Sports

In all likelihood, they'll adapt.

The New York Times

That work, in all likelihood, saved lives.

The New York Times

In all likelihood the answer is yes.

The New York Times

No one else knew, in all likelihood.

The New Yorker

In all likelihood, they found it.

The New York Times - Sports

(As are yours, in all likelihood).

The Economist

So, in all likelihood, will his hats.

The New York Times - Arts

"In all likelihood," he said.

The New York Times

In all likelihood, nothing will.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in all likelihood" to convey a strong probability based on available information, but acknowledge that uncertainty still exists. This adds nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "in all likelihood" when you have definitive proof. The phrase implies a degree of uncertainty, so using it with concrete facts diminishes its impact. Instead, state the fact directly without hedging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in all likelihood" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to express a high degree of probability. Ludwig AI indicates that it correctly conveys a strong probability, and examples confirm its role in qualifying statements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in all likelihood" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to express a strong probability or expectation, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It's commonly found in news and media contexts, adding a nuanced perspective to statements. While grammatically correct and widely accepted, it's crucial to avoid overstating certainty and consider alternatives like "most likely" or "almost certainly" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in all probability

A very close synonym, nearly interchangeable with "in all likelihood".

most likely

Replaces "in all likelihood" with a shorter, more direct synonym.

very probably

Emphasizes the high degree of probability, similar to "in all likelihood".

almost certainly

Suggests a near certainty, a slightly stronger degree of probability than "in all likelihood".

quite possibly

Indicates a good chance of something happening or being true.

presumably

Suggests that something is likely based on the available evidence or assumptions.

it stands to reason

Implies that the likelihood is based on logical deduction.

it is reasonable to assume

More formal and explicit in stating the basis for the likelihood.

chances are

An informal way of expressing probability.

as things go

An colloquial way of saying, based on how things are currently going.

FAQs

How can I use "in all likelihood" in a sentence?

"In all likelihood" is typically used to express a strong possibility or probability. For example, "In all likelihood, the meeting will be postponed due to the weather."

What are some alternatives to "in all likelihood"?

You can use alternatives such as "most likely", "very probably", or "almost certainly" to convey a similar meaning.

Is there a difference between "in all likelihood" and "in all probability"?

The phrases "in all likelihood" and "in all probability" are very similar and often interchangeable. They both express a high degree of possibility. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference.

When is it appropriate to use "in all likelihood"?

It's appropriate to use "in all likelihood" when you want to indicate that something is highly probable based on the available evidence or information, but you cannot be completely certain.