is very likely

USAGE SUMMARY

"is very likely" is a perfectly valid and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when expressing a speculation, especially if you think it is quite probable. For example: "Given the evidence, it is very likely that the suspect was the one responsible for the crime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Neither is very likely.

The Economist

Mr Kabila is very likely to win.

The Economist

That is very likely how it started.

The Economist

Today he is very likely to die.

The Economist

This is very likely true.

The Guardian

"A disaster is very likely.

The Guardian

"I think it is very likely".

The New York Times

The answer is very likely no.

The New York Times

"The answer is, very likely, yes".

The New York Times

But neither development is very likely.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Your idea is very likely eligible for consideration.

Duke University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is very likely" to express a strong probability based on available evidence or logical reasoning. For a stronger claim, consider "is almost certain".

Common error

Avoid using "is very likely" when the evidence is weak or speculative; instead, opt for phrases that convey less certainty, such as "might be" or "could be".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is very likely" functions as a predicative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun to express a high degree of probability or expectation, similar to saying something is probable. As Ludwig AI shows, the phrase is commonly used across various contexts to express opinions and forecasts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

25%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is very likely" is a commonly used phrase to express a strong probability or expectation. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. While "is likely" indicates simple probability, adding "very" increases the degree of certainty. When using this phrase, ensure that the evidence supports the strong probability you're conveying and that overstatement is avoided. Be sure to also review the alternative expressions to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is highly probable

Emphasizes a high degree of probability, similar to "is very likely" but with a slightly more formal tone.

is quite possible

Suggests a strong possibility, closely aligned with the likelihood implied by "is very likely".

is almost certain

Conveys a near certainty, stronger than "is very likely" but still expressing a high degree of confidence.

is expected to happen

Focuses on expectation based on current evidence, similar in predictive power to "is very likely".

is prone to occur

Highlights a natural tendency or predisposition for something to happen, suggesting a high likelihood.

is apt to be

Indicates a natural or inherent tendency, close in meaning to something being very likely.

is inclined to believe

Shifts the focus to a belief based on available information, suggesting a high likelihood from a subjective perspective.

is presumably the case

Introduces an element of assumption based on evidence, similar to suggesting something is very likely.

can reasonably assume

Highlights the justification for assuming something, suggesting it's very likely based on logical deduction.

likely will be

Reorders the phrase for emphasis, maintaining a similar level of probability as "is very likely".

FAQs

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

Use "is very likely" to express a high probability about a future event or a current situation, such as, "Given the weather forecast, rain "is very likely" this afternoon."

What phrases are similar to "is very likely"?

You can use alternatives such as "is highly probable", "is quite possible", or "is almost certain" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "it is very likely that"?

Yes, "it is very likely that" is grammatically correct and commonly used. For example: "It "is very likely" that the meeting will be postponed."

What's the difference between "is likely" and "is very likely"?

"Is likely" indicates a simple probability, while ""is very likely"" suggests a higher degree of certainty or probability. The addition of "very" strengthens the likelihood.