it's likely that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it's likely that' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to express that something is probable or likely to happen. For example, "It's likely that the weather will be a bit cooler tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's likely that Ford's credit sub will get a further upgrade.

Forbes

It's likely that Segel's sweet sentiment is mutual.

Huffington Post

It's likely that an additional mechanism (like the polygenic mode) is involved in the genetics of sporadic SCZ.

Behavioral and Brain Functions

Having something like a PSP in public means it's likely that someone will see it.

WikiHow

"It's likely that private nonresidential spending will resume its slide".

The New York Times

It's likely that he suffered from both.

The New Yorker

It's likely that he does not.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's likely that tickets will sell out before opening day.

The New York Times - Travel

It's likely that this approval will be challenged in court".

The New York Times - Science

A. It's likely that we can't do time travel.

The New York Times - Science

"It's likely that this is going to happen again.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it's likely that" to introduce predictions or estimations based on current evidence or trends.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "it's likely that". Vary your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it's likely that" functions as a modal discourse marker, introducing statements of probability or expectation. It signals that the speaker or writer is expressing an opinion based on available information, but without absolute certainty. Ludwig's examples show its use across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it's likely that" is a versatile phrase used to express probability or expectation, and is classified as grammatically correct and very common by Ludwig. As Ludwig AI specifies, it functions as a modal discourse marker, primarily used to hedge claims and predictions. Its register is generally neutral, making it appropriate for diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science, as shown by the Ludwig examples. While a valuable tool, writers should avoid overuse to maintain stylistic variety. By understanding its function and exploring alternatives, you can effectively convey nuanced degrees of certainty in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is probable that

Replaces "likely" with "probable", maintaining a similar degree of certainty but with a slightly more formal tone.

it is expected that

Shifts the focus to anticipation or prediction based on current information or trends.

it is anticipated that

Similar to "expected", but suggests a more formal or official expectation.

chances are that

Offers a more informal and conversational way to express likelihood.

one can assume that

Indicates a conclusion based on available evidence, implying a degree of confidence.

it is reasonable to assume that

Suggests that the assumption is based on logical reasoning and evidence.

it seems plausible that

Emphasizes the believability or credibility of a particular outcome or scenario.

it is conceivable that

Highlights the possibility of something happening, even if it's not highly probable.

it's quite possible that

Underlines the possibility of a certain event, leaving the judgment of probability more open.

odds are that

Conveys a similar meaning to "chances are", focusing on the statistical likelihood of something.

FAQs

How can I use "it's likely that" in a sentence?

Use "it's likely that" to express a probable outcome or expectation. For example, "It's likely that the meeting will be postponed due to the weather."

What are some alternatives to "it's likely that"?

You can use alternatives such as "it is probable that", "chances are that", or "it is expected that depending on the context.

Is "it's likely that" formal or informal?

"It's likely that" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, alternatives like "it is probable that" may sound more formal.

Which is correct, "it's likely that" or "its likely that"?

"It's likely that" is correct. "It's" is a contraction of "it is". "Its" indicates possession, so "its likely that" is grammatically incorrect.