is likely to join

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is likely to join" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a probability or expectation that someone or something will become a member of a group or organization in the future. Example: "Based on her interest in our project, she is likely to join our team next month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Like all things Barbie, this announcement is likely to join the roster of past Barbie parodies.

Huffington Post

Deutsche Telekom is likely to join Andala.

The New York Times

Bulgaria is likely to join the EU before Turkey.

The Economist

Sweden's Saab, which collaborates with BAe on the Gripen fighter, is likely to join the party.

The Economist

Massachusetts is likely to join the list, depending on the coming decision on gay marriage there.

The New York Times - Travel

The combined company is likely to join the FTSE 100 index.

The Guardian - Business

Maria Miller, the minister for disabled people, is likely to join the cabinet.

The Guardian

So some treaty amendment will be needed by 2009 or 2010, when Croatia is likely to join.

The Economist

The report made headlines by suggesting that Germany is likely to join Japan in the falling-price club.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

India and Pakistan are likely to join in the next year.

The Economist

That is the point at which other entertainment companies are likely to join the fray.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is likely to join", ensure the subject and object are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The company is likely to join the alliance" is clearer than "It is likely to join."

Common error

Avoid overstating the certainty. While "is likely to join" suggests a high probability, it's not a guarantee. If the event is certain, use "will join" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is likely to join" functions as a modal verb phrase, indicating a high probability or expectation of someone or something becoming a member of a group, organization, or participating in an activity. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is likely to join" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to express a strong possibility or expectation. As Ludwig confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, especially in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure that the level of certainty aligns with the available evidence, avoiding both speculation and overstatement. Alternatives such as ""is expected to join"" or ""will probably join"" can be used to fine-tune the level of probability conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

will probably join

Replaces "is likely" with "will probably", emphasizing a high degree of probability.

is expected to become a member of

More formal and explicit about the act of joining a group.

is poised to integrate into

Suggests readiness and preparation for joining something.

is anticipated to associate with

A more formal and less common way of expressing the idea of joining.

is slated to be admitted to

Focuses on the official process of being accepted into a group.

will potentially merge with

Implies a more significant fusion or blending of entities.

is set to enlist in

Suggests a formal enrollment or commitment to join.

is predicted to connect with

Emphasizes the act of forming a relationship upon joining.

may well become affiliated with

Expresses possibility and a formal association.

is in line to accede to

Implies a sequential or hierarchical process of joining.

FAQs

What does "is likely to join" mean?

The phrase "is likely to join" indicates that it's probable or expected that someone or something will become a member of a group, organization, or participate in an activity. It suggests a strong possibility based on available information.

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

You can use "is likely to join" to express a reasonable expectation. For example, "Given her experience, she "is likely to join" the team", or "The country "is likely to join" the trade agreement".

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

You can use alternatives like "is expected to join", "will probably join", or "is anticipated to join", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "is likely to join" or "will likely join"?

"Is likely to join" is the more grammatically standard and frequently used form. "Will likely join" is also used, but less common. Using "is likely to join" generally sounds more natural and polished.