is unlikely to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'is unlikely to' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are suggesting that an event or outcome is not expected to occur. For example: The weather forecast is calling for rain, but it is unlikely to happen today.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Such cash is unlikely to appear soon.

The Economist

This is unlikely to work.

The Economist

That is unlikely to change.

The Economist

That is unlikely to happen.

The New York Times

This is unlikely to happen.

The New York Times

This is unlikely to succeed.

The Economist

He is unlikely to run.

The New York Times

NATO is unlikely to intervene.

The Economist

This is unlikely to help.

The Economist

This arrangement is unlikely to last.

The New Yorker

That is unlikely to happen, though.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is unlikely to", ensure that the statement is supported by evidence or a logical argument to strengthen its credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "is unlikely to" when there is a high degree of certainty about an outcome. Instead, use stronger terms like "will not" or "cannot" to reflect the level of confidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is unlikely to" functions as an evaluative expression, qualifying the probability of a future event or action. It suggests a low degree of expectation for the described outcome. Ludwig provides various examples showcasing this function in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is unlikely to" is a versatile tool for expressing doubt or low probability across diverse contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence, particularly in news and media. The phrase’s neutral register allows for seamless integration into both formal and informal communication. While effective, it's crucial to avoid overstating uncertainty when a situation is near certainty. Exploring alternatives like "is improbable" or "is not expected to" can add nuance to your writing. When deploying "is unlikely to", ensure your claims are logically sound.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not expected to

States a lack of anticipation for a specific event or result.

is improbable

Focuses on the low probability of an event occurring.

is hardly likely to

Emphasizes the minimal chance of something happening.

is doubtful

Highlights uncertainty and skepticism about a potential outcome.

is far from certain

Indicates that the outcome is not assured and might not occur.

is questionable

Suggests that there are reasons to doubt or challenge a particular expectation.

is a long shot

Signifies that the chance of success is very small.

is against the odds

Implies that prevailing circumstances suggest a negative outcome.

is remotely possible

Underscores how unlikely some event is.

is not on the cards

This idiom suggests that something is not planned or anticipated.

FAQs

How to use "is unlikely to" in a sentence?

Use "is unlikely to" to express that something is improbable or not expected to happen. For example, "Due to the current economic climate, a rapid recovery "is unlikely to" occur".

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

You can use alternatives like "is improbable", "is doubtful", or "is not expected to" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "is unlikely to" or "is likely to not"?

"Is unlikely to" is the more common and natural phrasing. "Is likely to not" is grammatically correct but less idiomatic and can sound awkward.

What's the difference between "is unlikely to" and "is impossible to"?

"Is unlikely to" suggests a low probability, while "is impossible to" indicates that something cannot happen under any circumstances. The latter is a much stronger statement.