is it likely to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is it likely to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when inquiring about the probability or possibility of a certain event or outcome occurring. Example: "Is it likely to rain tomorrow, or should I plan for a sunny day?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

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

Nor, however, is it likely to expand their horizons.

The Guardian - Film

Nor is it likely to explode barriers and negative attitudes.

The Guardian - Opinion

Nor is it likely to survive for 2,000 years.

The Guardian - Opinion

Nor is it likely to do so in the future.

The New York Times - Style

Nor is it likely to be the last.

The New York Times

Nor is it likely to be for a while.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When assessing future probabilities, clearly define the context and timeframe. Instead of simply asking "Is it likely to happen?", specify "Is it likely to rain tomorrow morning?" to provide focus and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "is it likely to" when there is no basis for the expectation. Saying "is it likely to succeed?" about a project with no resources or planning is an unfounded assumption, not a reasonable inquiry.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is it likely to" functions as an interrogative expression used to inquire about the probability or expectation of a future event or outcome. Ludwig examples confirm its usage in various contexts, from weather forecasts to business prospects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is it likely to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to ask about the probability of an event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears most commonly in news and media contexts, as well as in scientific discussions. While versatile, it's important to provide context and evidence when assessing likelihood. Consider related phrases like "is it probable that" for formal settings or "is there a chance that" for casual conversations. Avoid unfounded assumptions and overstatements when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

how likely is it that

Inverts the original phrase for emphasis, directly questioning the degree of likelihood.

is it probable that

Replaces "likely" with "probable", suggesting a strong possibility but maintaining a formal tone.

is it expected to

Substitutes "likely" with "expected", implying a belief based on prediction or anticipation.

is it anticipated to

Similar to "expected", but with a slightly more formal and predictive connotation.

is there a chance that

Introduces the concept of chance, indicating a possibility that might not be very high.

is it possible that

Replaces "likely" with "possible", focusing on whether something could happen, regardless of its probability.

could it be that

Presents a more speculative inquiry into the potential for something to occur.

what are the odds that

Quantifies the probability, inviting a numerical or descriptive assessment of likelihood.

is it foreseeable that

Emphasizes the predictability or expectability of a future event based on current knowledge.

are the chances high that

Asks directly about the level of probability, suggesting interest in a favorable outcome.

FAQs

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

Use "is it likely to" to inquire about the probability of a future event. For example, "Is it likely to rain tomorrow?" or "Is it likely to succeed given the current market conditions?"

What's a more formal way to say "is it likely to"?

More formal alternatives include "is it probable that" or "is it anticipated to". These options are suitable for academic or professional contexts.

What can I say instead of "is it likely to" in a casual conversation?

In casual contexts, you can use phrases like "is there a chance that" or "could it be that" to express the same idea with less formality.

How does "is it likely to" differ from "is it possible that"?

"Is it likely to" implies a higher degree of probability than "is it possible that". "Is it likely to" suggests a good chance of happening, while "is it possible that" only indicates that something is not impossible.