is most likely

USAGE SUMMARY

"is most likely" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express an opinion about something that is probably true. For example, "The new restaurant will be crowded this weekend; it is most likely a result of the recent positive reviews it has received."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is most likely just the beginning.

The New York Times

But that moment is most likely approaching.

The New York Times

Coty is most likely acting deliberately.

The New York Times

What combination of letters is most likely?

The New York Times

Who is most likely to develop sepsis?

Harvard University

The latter enzyme is most likely hexameric.

Journal of Structural Biology

It is most likely a mythic premise.

The Guardian - Books

Who is most likely to be a toxic worker?

Harvard University

In your opinion, which outcome is most likely?

Princeton University

The musty smell is most likely cellulose decay.

Stanford University

It is most likely that Schulberg produced and Gasnier directed.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is most likely" when you want to express a well-founded opinion based on available evidence, but avoid stating it as an absolute fact.

Common error

Avoid using "is most likely" when there's insufficient evidence; instead, use phrases indicating possibility or uncertainty, such as "could be" or "might be."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is most likely" functions as a modal qualifier, expressing a high degree of probability or expectation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, supporting its role in indicating a strong likelihood based on available evidence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

27%

Science

18%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is most likely" serves as a versatile tool to express a high probability or expectation without stating an absolute certainty. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, with numerous examples across diverse sources demonstrating its widespread usage. While appropriate for various contexts, it's most frequently encountered in news, academic, and scientific writing. When using this phrase, ensure that your assertion is supported by adequate evidence to avoid overstating your claim.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is probably

Replaces "most likely" with a synonym to indicate a high degree of probability with a simpler structure.

is highly probable

Substitutes "most likely" with a more formal expression that emphasizes the high probability of something.

it's reasonable to assume

Replaces "is most likely" with a phrase that introduces an assumption based on available evidence.

it's expected that

Modifies the sentence structure to shift the focus on the expectation itself.

it's fair to say

This alternative suggests a generally accepted conclusion rather than a strict prediction.

it is anticipated

Replaces "is most likely" with a more formal phrase that is used to express expectations about the future.

it seems reasonable

This alternative presents the idea as a logical conclusion given the circumstances.

one can expect

Focuses on expectation, implying a high likelihood based on established patterns.

chances are

Uses an idiomatic expression to indicate a good probability of something happening.

it would appear

Introduces an element of observation and inference, rather than direct assertion.

FAQs

How to use "is most likely" in a sentence?

Use "is most likely" to express a strong probability based on the available evidence. For example, "Given the weather forecast, rain "is most likely" this afternoon."

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

You can use alternatives like "is probably", "is highly probable", or "it's reasonable to assume" depending on the context.

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

"Is most likely" indicates a higher degree of probability than "is likely". While both are grammatically correct, "is most likely" suggests stronger evidence supports the conclusion.

What's the difference between "is most likely" and "is certainly"?

"Is most likely" implies a high probability but acknowledges some uncertainty. "Is certainly" suggests a definite and absolute truth with no room for doubt.