is likely to challenge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is likely to challenge" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate a possibility or expectation that something will pose a difficulty or opposition in the future. Example: "The new policy is likely to challenge the existing regulations and create a debate among stakeholders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

A team with more talent, like Arizona, is likely to challenge Belmont on the perimeter instead.

The New York Times - Sports

Their views on social and ethical issues are a mystery, but the White House seems certain that neither is likely to challenge Mr. Bush's policies on hot-button issues like embryonic stem cells, cloning and sex education.

The New York Times

The players' union, which has a copy of the report, is likely to challenge the figures.

The New York Times - Sports

Labour is likely to challenge the government to say if it will accept the experts' recommendation.

The Guardian

The documentary is likely to challenge many people's preconceptions about its subject.

Independent

Milliner is likely to challenge Kyle Wilson for the second starting slot opposite Antonio Cromartie.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

They are likely to challenge the new cuts as well.

The New York Times

Others are likely to challenge Facebook in the coming months.

The New York Times

The defense also indicated that it was likely to challenge the untested state antiterrorism law.

The New York Times

Ministers of the 15 national governments of the union are likely to challenge the amendments approved in Parliament today.

The New York Times

The losing parties are likely to challenge the results, and the effort to form a new coalition government could become messy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the strength of the challenge. "Challenge" can range from a minor disagreement to a major confrontation. Choose a synonym if "challenge" doesn't accurately convey the intensity.

Common error

Avoid using "is likely to challenge" when the outcome is highly uncertain. It suggests a higher degree of probability than may be warranted. Instead, use softer language like "might challenge" or "could challenge".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is likely to challenge" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a prediction or expectation that something will oppose or question something else. Ludwig AI confirms this usage by providing examples where the phrase indicates a probability of future opposition or questioning.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is likely to challenge" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to express a probable future action of questioning, opposing, or disputing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news reports, scientific discussions, and formal business contexts. While alternatives like "is expected to confront" or "is prone to contest" offer nuanced variations, understanding the core meaning and appropriate usage of "is likely to challenge" ensures effective communication. Be mindful of overstating certainty and consider the context when employing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is expected to confront

Replaces "likely" with "expected" and "challenge" with "confront", implying a stronger anticipation of direct opposition.

is prone to contest

Substitutes "likely" with "prone" and "challenge" with "contest", suggesting a natural inclination towards disputing something.

is apt to dispute

Replaces "likely" with "apt" and "challenge" with "dispute", indicating a tendency to question or argue against.

will probably resist

Uses "will probably" instead of "is likely to" and "resist" instead of "challenge", conveying a sense of opposition with a degree of uncertainty.

may well oppose

Replaces "is likely to" with "may well" and "challenge" with "oppose", suggesting a strong possibility of resistance.

is positioned to question

Indicates a readiness or strategic advantage to raise doubts about something rather than directly challenge it.

is anticipated to rival

Shifts the focus from opposition to competition, suggesting that something will compete with or try to surpass something else.

is set to threaten

Implies a potential danger or risk caused by something, rather than a direct challenge.

could potentially undermine

Suggests a weakening or gradual erosion of something, rather than a direct confrontation.

might conceivably object to

Indicates a possibility of raising objections, but with less certainty than a direct challenge.

FAQs

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

Use "is likely to challenge" to indicate that something will probably question, oppose, or dispute something else. Example: "The new evidence "is likely to challenge" the established theory."

What are some alternatives to "is likely to challenge"?

Alternatives include "is expected to confront", "is prone to contest", or "may well oppose", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "is likely to challenge" and "will challenge"?

"Is likely to challenge" implies a probability or likelihood, while "will challenge" suggests a greater degree of certainty. Use "is likely to challenge" when the outcome is not guaranteed.

When is it more appropriate to use "is expected to challenge" over "is likely to challenge"?

"Is expected to challenge" is best when there's a reasonable basis for anticipating the challenge, perhaps based on precedent or known intentions. "Is likely to challenge" is suitable when it's a more general assessment of probability.