is likely to

USAGE SUMMARY

"is likely to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to express something that is probable or expected to occur. For example, "The weather forecast is likely to show rain later this evening."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is likely to stop.

The Economist

Ambivalence is likely to continue.

The Economist

This is likely to change.

The Economist

It is likely to pass.

The Economist

That is likely to change.

The New York Times

It is likely to happen.

The Economist

Neither is likely to happen.

The Economist

And worse is likely to emerge.

The Economist

It is likely to be West.

The New York Times

The decision is likely to be appealed.

The New York Times

Sadly, that is likely to continue.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is likely to" when expressing a reasoned expectation based on available evidence. For example, "Given the current economic indicators, a recession "is likely to" occur."

Common error

Avoid overusing "is likely to" in formal documents. Instead, diversify with stronger verbs like "will", "shall", or more specific predictive phrases to enhance the impact of your statements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is likely to" functions as an auxiliary phrase expressing a degree of probability or expectation. It combines a linking verb ("is") with an adjective ("likely") and an infinitive marker ("to") to modify a verb, indicating the likelihood of an action or event. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable structure in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is likely to" is a frequently used phrase that expresses a high probability or expectation. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in English. Its primary function is to make predictions or express anticipated outcomes, and it is commonly found in news, media, and scientific contexts. While versatile, diversifying your writing with synonyms such as "is expected to" or "is probable to" can enhance clarity and sophistication. This phrase is generally considered neutral in register, making it suitable for diverse professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is probable to

Emphasizes the probability of an event occurring, slightly stronger than "is likely to".

is expected to

Highlights anticipation or prediction based on current evidence.

will probably

Uses an adverb to modify the verb, expressing a similar level of certainty.

is anticipated to

Suggests a formal expectation, often used in official forecasts.

is poised to

Indicates readiness or a state of being prepared for a particular outcome.

is set to

Implies a scheduled or predetermined outcome.

is bound to

Suggests inevitability based on current conditions.

is apt to

Implies a natural tendency or inclination.

can be expected to

Focuses on what one should reasonably anticipate.

is inclined to

Suggests a predisposition or leaning towards a particular action or outcome.

FAQs

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

Use "is likely to" to express a probability or expectation. For example, "The company "is likely to" announce record profits this quarter".

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

You can use alternatives like "is expected to", "is probable to", or "will probably" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "is likely to" or "will likely"?

"Is likely to" is generally considered more grammatically correct and formal than "will likely". While "will likely" is commonly used, ""is likely to"" often provides a clearer and more precise expression of probability.

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

"Is likely to" indicates a high probability but not a certainty, while "is certain to" expresses a definite outcome without any doubt. The choice depends on the level of confidence in the prediction.