it's very likely

USAGE SUMMARY

"it's very likely" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to express that something is probably true. For example, "It's very likely that my team will win the championship this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's very likely that the Court's answer will be an emphatic no.

The New Yorker

If there is a problem with the order, it's very likely not the delivery person's fault.

WikiHow

It's very likely that all candidates will have a moment like that.

The New York Times

It's very likely what my own husband said about me.

The New York Times

It's very likely that it's not going to happen.

The New York Times

"It's very likely a little bit of both".

The New York Times

It's very likely Mugabe will come away smelling of roses".

The Guardian

"It's very likely we'll be rebuilding," he said.

The New York Times

"But yes, it's very likely that it provoked that reaction.

The Guardian

"It's very likely the fixed broadband business will only attract those customers that need the bandwidth.

The New York Times - Tech

Dr. Gail Saltz, psychoanalyst: "I don't think it's very likely a terrorist would seek treatment.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it's very likely" when you want to convey a strong sense of probability without stating absolute certainty. This phrase is suitable for expressing well-founded assumptions.

Common error

Avoid using "it's very likely" when the situation is purely speculative or lacks sufficient evidence. Instead, opt for phrases like "it's possible" or "it might be" to reflect a lower degree of confidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it's very likely" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a statement, indicating a high probability or expectation. Ludwig AI confirms this is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it's very likely" is a versatile phrase used to express a strong probability or expectation across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted in English writing. It's prevalent in news, media, and informal communication, offering a way to indicate a high degree of certainty without claiming absolute knowledge. Remember to use it judiciously, ensuring the context supports the conveyed level of confidence, and explore alternatives to vary your expression. The phrase's high frequency and clear communicative purpose make it a valuable tool in effective writing and conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's highly probable

Emphasizes a strong probability, similar to the original phrase but with a slightly more formal tone.

it's probable

A more concise and formal way to express likelihood, suitable for professional contexts.

it's quite possible

Suggests a reasonable chance of something happening, slightly less certain than the original.

chances are high

An informal way to indicate a good likelihood, focusing on the odds of an event.

the odds are that

Focuses on the probability of an event occurring, often used in statistical or gambling contexts.

it seems plausible

Indicates that something appears reasonable or believable, implying a likelihood.

it's reasonable to assume

Implies a logical basis for expecting a certain outcome, based on current information.

it would appear that

A formal expression suggesting something is likely based on available evidence.

it's anticipated that

Formally expresses an expectation about a future event, often used in business or planning.

one can expect

Suggests a high degree of anticipation or expectation for a future event.

FAQs

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

You can use "it's very likely" to express a strong possibility or expectation. For example, "It's very likely that the meeting will be postponed due to the storm".

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

Alternatives include "it's highly probable", "it's quite possible", or "chances are high", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is there a difference between "it's likely" and "it's very likely"?

Yes, "it's very likely" implies a stronger degree of certainty than simply saying "it's likely". The addition of "very" emphasizes the higher probability.

When is it inappropriate to use "it's very likely"?

It's best to avoid "it's very likely" when discussing purely speculative or uncertain situations. In such cases, weaker phrases like "it might be" or "it's possible" are more suitable.