it appears likely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it appears likely" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a probability or likelihood regarding a situation or outcome. Example: "Based on the current evidence, it appears likely that the project will be completed ahead of schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It appears likely that the primordial gene pool harbored an extraordinary variety of virus-like entities.

Biology Direct

It appears likely that Macarthur convinced Maj.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But it appears likely to spread.

The New York Times

It appears likely, however, to face the same old protests.

The New York Times

It appears likely that light and dark adaptation in Phycomyces are mediated by altogether different processes.

Stanford University

It appears likely that such extreme weather periods will be common in the future.

Cornell University

And this year it appears likely to become, finally, the industry's sales leader, too.

The New Yorker

It appears likely that Mr. Fujimori's alliance, Peru 2000, will lose control of Congress.

The New York Times

"Crazy Rhythms" is not currently in print, though it appears likely to be reissued this year.

The New Yorker

It appears likely that they shopped in the local aviation stores.

The New York Times

However, it appears likely the US version will transfer the action to north America.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it appears likely" when you want to convey a sense of probability based on available evidence, but without stating it as a definite fact. This phrasing allows for a degree of uncertainty or possibility of alternative outcomes.

Common error

Avoid using "it appears likely" when you have definitive proof or data. If the evidence is conclusive, a more direct statement of fact is more appropriate and strengthens your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it appears likely" functions as an epistemic phrase, indicating the speaker's assessment of the probability of a situation or event. According to Ludwig AI, this assessment is based on available information but not presented as a definitive fact.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

35%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it appears likely" serves as a versatile phrase to express a sense of probability or expectation based on available evidence. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase follows standard grammar rules and is widely used across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. While highly versatile, it's crucial to avoid using it when definitive proof exists, as a direct statement would be more appropriate. Consider using alternatives like "it seems probable" or "it is probable" to convey subtle differences in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it seems probable

Replaces "appears" with "seems" and "likely" with "probable", both indicating a high degree of possibility.

it is probable

Simplifies the structure by removing "appears", focusing on the probability.

it is plausible

Substitutes "likely" with "plausible", suggesting that something is believable or reasonable.

it is reasonable to assume

Expresses a logical inference based on available information.

it would seem

Indicates an impression based on the available evidence.

one can assume

Highlights the act of assumption based on presented details.

the evidence suggests

Directly refers to the support available for a particular view or prediction.

chances are

Offers an informal way to express likelihood or probability.

it is anticipated

Conveys an expectation of something happening, typically in the future.

it is expected

Indicates a belief that something will happen or is the case.

FAQs

How can I use "it appears likely" in a sentence?

Use "it appears likely" to express a degree of probability or expectation based on the available evidence. For instance, "It appears likely that the negotiations will conclude successfully."

What are some alternatives to "it appears likely"?

You can use alternatives like "it seems probable", "it is probable", or "the evidence suggests" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "it appears likely" formal or informal?

"It appears likely" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts. While not overly informal, it maintains a level of professional tone appropriate for diverse writing scenarios.

What's the difference between "it appears likely" and "it is likely"?

"It appears likely" introduces a slightly more tentative tone, suggesting the conclusion is based on observation or inference, while "it is likely" presents the likelihood more directly.