is quite likely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is quite likely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a high probability or expectation regarding a situation or outcome. Example: "Given the current trends in the market, it is quite likely that we will see an increase in sales next quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Judge Sullivan's, however, is quite likely not.

The New York Times

It is quite likely that it will be reimposed.

The Guardian

The first is possible; the second is quite likely.

The New York Times

It is quite likely that the directive is dead.

The Economist

But the euro is quite likely to climb higher.

The Economist

In this, he is quite likely to be proved right.

The Economist

All the polling suggests a hung parliament is quite likely.

Independent

It is quite likely that Jack the Ripper — whoever he was — was utterly deranged.

The New York Times - Books

But the possibility she had arsenic for rheumatism, say, is quite likely," she said.

The Guardian - Books

Crucially, the end of the fall is quite likely to happen before 2015.

The Guardian - Business

But it is quite likely that rapid decline will continue regardless of legislation or the church.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is quite likely" to express a moderate to high degree of probability, especially when you want to sound less absolute than saying "is certain". This phrasing is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "is quite likely" when the outcome is already known or highly certain. Opt for stronger terms like "is certain" or "will definitely happen" to avoid sounding hesitant or unsure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is quite likely" functions as an evaluative expression, indicating a moderate to high degree of probability. It modifies a statement, expressing that something is more probable than not. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

45%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is quite likely" is a versatile phrase used to express a moderate to high degree of probability. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including News & Media and Science. When aiming for clarity and precision in your writing, remember that while alternatives like "is very likely" or "is highly probable" exist, understanding the subtle nuances in their certainty levels is key. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication, but ensure you're not overstating a known outcome. Consider it an effective way to convey expectation and sound confident without overstating absolute certainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is very probable

Changes the degree of likelihood, suggesting a higher degree of certainty.

is highly probable

Emphasizes a strong likelihood, similar to "is very probable".

is very likely

Simple synonym, only removes the word 'quite'.

is quite probable

Simple synonym, only reverses the order of the words 'quite' and 'likely'.

is almost certain

Indicates a near guarantee, increasing the level of confidence.

is expected to happen

Shifts focus to anticipation of an event, implying likelihood based on expectation.

is anticipated to occur

Uses more formal language to express expectation of an event.

is prone to happen

Suggests a tendency or predisposition for an event to occur.

is apt to happen

Similar to "prone to happen", implying a natural inclination.

can be reasonably expected

Highlights the rational basis for expecting a particular outcome.

FAQs

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

Use "is quite likely" to express a strong possibility, but not a certainty. For example, "Given the forecast, rain "is quite likely" this afternoon."

What are some alternatives to "is quite likely"?

You can use phrases such as "is very likely", "is highly probable", or "is almost certain" depending on the degree of certainty you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "is quite likely" instead of "is likely"?

Use "is quite likely" when you want to emphasize a stronger degree of probability than just "is likely", but still want to avoid stating something as a definite fact.

Is "is quite likely" formal or informal?

"Is quite likely" is appropriate in both formal and informal writing. It strikes a balance between expressing probability and maintaining a neutral tone.