is likely

USAGE SUMMARY

"is likely" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to express probability or likelihood. For example, "It is likely that the weather will get colder as we enter winter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Further consolidation is likely.

The Economist

That is likely true.

The New York Times

A deal is likely.

The Guardian - Business

Unfortunately, neither is likely.

The Economist

The opposite is likely.

The New York Times

Further regulation is likely.

The Economist

That is likely.

The New York Times

market is likely misplaced.

The New York Times

But some relocation is likely.

The Economist

The answer is likely "no".

The Economist

But renewed unrest is likely.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is likely" when you want to express a moderate degree of certainty about a future event or possibility. Avoid using it for statements of fact.

Common error

While "is likely" is acceptable, relying on it too frequently can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your phrasing with alternatives like "is probable", "is expected", or "chances are" to enhance readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is likely" functions as a linking verb followed by an adjective, serving to express a probability or expectation. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable. Examples from news and media sources illustrate its application in expressing anticipated outcomes or events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is likely" is a frequently used phrase to express probability or expectation, and Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it conveys a neutral tone suitable for various contexts. For alternative phrasing, consider options such as "is probable", "is expected to", or "chances are" to add variety to your writing. While versatile, it's best to reserve "is likely" for situations where you want to indicate a moderate degree of certainty, rather than an absolute fact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is probable

Expresses a similar level of certainty but can sometimes sound more formal.

will probably

A more direct way of expressing probability, often used in less formal contexts.

is expected to

Implies a prediction based on current trends or information.

is anticipated to

Similar to 'is expected to' but often used in more formal or professional contexts.

chances are

An idiomatic way of expressing a reasonable expectation.

is prone to

Suggests a tendency or predisposition towards something.

it's reasonable to assume

Highlights the logical basis for an expectation.

it stands to reason

Indicates that something is logically likely based on the available evidence.

is liable to

Indicates a risk or potential negative outcome.

is apt to

Implies a natural tendency or inclination.

FAQs

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

Use "is likely" to express a moderate probability. For example, "It "is likely" to rain tomorrow", suggests that rain is more probable than not.

What can I say instead of "is likely"?

You can use alternatives like "is probable", "is expected", or "chances are" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "is likely" or "likely is"?

"Is likely" is the correct grammatical order. "Likely is" is generally not used in standard English.

What's the difference between "is likely" and "is certain"?

"Is likely" suggests a good chance of something happening, while "is certain" indicates a much higher degree of confidence, almost a guarantee.