is likely not

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is likely not" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, you might use this phrase to say, "It is likely not the best idea to stay outside in this weather."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The order is likely not monophyletic.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This list is likely not complete.

Cornell University

But it is likely not the end.

The Guardian - Opinion

The holotype of Electrorana is likely not an adult.

Nature

And the IRS is likely not alone in migration limbo.

The Washington Post

The frequency of service is likely not the problem.

The New York Times

Yet Facebook's intention is likely not to cause harm or to have a negative impact.

Harvard University

Obesity, Kaplan said, which represents dysfunction of this system, is likely not one disease but dozens.

The New Yorker

But: "Acer is likely not alone in having a disappointing first quarter.

The Guardian - Tech

"I suspect this is likely not to be a lawful kettle," he added.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

His tribulations are likely not over.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is likely not" to express a moderate degree of doubt or uncertainty. Ensure that the context supports this level of ambiguity, rather than requiring a stronger or weaker statement.

Common error

Avoid using "is likely not" when the situation demands a definitive statement. If strong evidence suggests something is definitively false, use "is not" or "is certainly not" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is likely not" functions as a qualifying statement, introducing uncertainty or doubt about a particular situation or outcome. It indicates a probability leaning towards negation. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its validity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

29%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is likely not" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey a moderate degree of doubt or low probability. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news media and scientific publications. When using this phrase, consider the context and ensure that it accurately reflects the level of certainty you wish to express. If absolute certainty is required, consider alternative phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is probably not

Indicates a slightly higher degree of certainty that something is untrue or will not happen.

is unlikely to be

Emphasizes the low probability of a particular event or state.

is not expected to be

Suggests that anticipation leans against a certain outcome.

it is doubtful that

Expresses uncertainty or disbelief regarding a statement.

it is questionable whether

Highlights the uncertainty or debate surrounding a particular point.

is far from certain

Stresses the lack of assurance or predictability.

is not necessarily

Indicates something isn't always the case, without outright dismissal.

does not appear to be

Emphasizes a visible lack of evidence or indication.

chances are slim that

Indicates a very low probability of an event occurring.

it's improbable that

Suggests a situation is not likely to happen.

FAQs

How can I use "is likely not" in a sentence?

Use "is likely not" to express that something is probably false or will probably not happen, but without absolute certainty. For example: "The project is likely not to be completed on time."

What are some alternatives to "is likely not"?

You can use alternatives like "is probably not", "is unlikely to be", or "is not expected to be" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "is likely not"?

Yes, "is likely not" is grammatically correct and widely used to express a moderate degree of doubt or low probability.

What's the difference between "is likely not" and "is possibly not"?

"Is likely not" suggests a higher degree of improbability than "is possibly not". "Is likely not" implies a greater reason to believe something won't happen, while "is possibly not" simply acknowledges a possibility that it might not happen.