is it likely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is it likely" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when inquiring about the probability or possibility of a certain event or situation occurring. Example: "Is it likely that we will finish the project by the deadline?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"But is it likely?

The New York Times - Sports

Nor is it likely to get one.

The Economist

Nor is it likely to.

The Guardian

Where is it likely to end?

The Guardian - Opinion

Nor is it likely to ever stop.

The Guardian

NOR is it likely to anytime soon.

The New York Times

To whom is it likely to appeal?

The New York Times - Books

Nor is it likely to obtain it.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Was it likely?

The New Yorker

Was it likely to succeed?

Princeton University

— It's not likely, is it?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is it likely", consider the audience and context. For formal settings, ensure the tone remains appropriate by providing context or supporting information for your inquiry. In informal settings, the phrase can be used more freely.

Common error

Avoid using "is it likely" in situations where a definitive answer is required or expected. The phrase inherently implies uncertainty, so be mindful of the implications when discussing critical matters that demand precise information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is it likely" serves as an interrogative expression used to inquire about the probability or chance of a particular event or outcome. This construction aims to assess the plausibility of a situation, as demonstrated by various examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is it likely" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to inquire about the probability or possibility of an event. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans various contexts, from news reports to academic discussions, demonstrating its versatility and broad applicability. While generally neutral in tone, its formality can be adjusted based on the setting. When using this phrase, be mindful of the audience and avoid overstating certainty. Alternatives like "is it probable" or "is it possible" can offer nuanced variations in meaning, making it essential to select the most appropriate phrasing for your specific purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

how likely is it

Inverts the structure of the original phrase to emphasize the degree of likelihood.

is it probable

Replaces "likely" with "probable", indicating a similar degree of possibility but with a slightly more formal tone.

is it possible

Substitutes "likely" with "possible", suggesting a broader scope of potential occurrence, encompassing both high and low probabilities.

is there a chance

Uses a more conversational expression to inquire about the existence of an opportunity or likelihood.

is it anticipated

Replaces "likely" with "anticipated", focusing on whether something is expected based on prior knowledge or trends.

is it expected

Similar to "is it anticipated", this asks whether something aligns with current expectations.

what are the odds

This phrase uses a more informal and numerical way of asking about the probability of an event.

could it happen

Focuses on the mere potential for an event to occur, rather than its probability.

is it reasonable to assume

Shifts the focus to the justification for assuming something is likely.

is it conceivable

Asks whether something is imaginable or believable, without necessarily implying a high probability.

FAQs

How can I use "is it likely" in a sentence?

The phrase "is it likely" is used to inquire about the probability of a certain event. For example: "Is it likely to rain tomorrow?"

What can I say instead of "is it likely"?

You can use alternatives like "is it probable", "is it possible", or "what are the odds" depending on the context.

Is "is it likely" formal or informal?

"Is it likely" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, be mindful of your audience and adjust your language accordingly. In certain formal settings, consider using more precise alternatives.

What's the difference between "is it likely" and "is it possible"?

"Is it likely" implies a reasonable chance of something occurring, while "is it possible" suggests that something could happen, even if the chances are slim. "Is it likely" indicates a higher degree of probability.