it is highly likely

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is highly likely" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to emphasize that something is probable, or very likely to occur. For example: "Given the evidence we have, it is highly likely that the suspect committed the crime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is highly likely that the foam-like biochar can trap some of the inorganic salt.

Environmental Science & Technology

— Barash concludes that it is "highly likely" that religion owes its origin to natural selection.

The New Yorker

It is highly likely to continue to be expansionary.

The New York Times

"It is highly likely the security forces were involved".

The New York Times

"It is highly likely they will come up with a higher poverty rate," he said.

The New York Times

"I think that it is highly likely he will end up in a courtroom".

The Guardian

It is highly likely that post-Brexit we post-British will too.

The Guardian

It is highly likely that new terrors await Harry and friends.

The New York Times - Arts

If all transactions are familiar, it is highly likely that you have not been affected.

The Guardian - Money

And it is highly likely that you will want to see the candidates teach.

The Guardian

As for London's police chief, of course it is "highly likely" that something "could" happen.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is highly likely" when you want to express a strong degree of probability based on evidence or logical reasoning. Ensure the context supports a high level of confidence in the predicted outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "it is highly likely" when the situation is based on speculation or has minimal supporting evidence. Overstating the certainty can undermine your credibility. Use softer language if the outcome is less assured.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is highly likely" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to express a high degree of probability or expectation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a perfectly correct and usable phrase. The examples show how it is used to qualify statements, indicating a strong likelihood.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is highly likely" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a strong probability or expectation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically sound and widely recognized expression. It is commonly found in various contexts, including news, science, and formal business communications. When using this phrase, ensure that the context supports the assertion of high likelihood to maintain credibility. While effective, consider alternative phrases such as "it is very probable" or "chances are high" to add variety to your writing. Be mindful of overstating certainty without sufficient evidence. By understanding the nuances of its usage, you can effectively convey your intended meaning and avoid common pitfalls.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is very probable

Emphasizes probability using "very probable" instead of "highly likely".

it is almost certain

Indicates a very strong likelihood, nearing certainty.

it is quite possible

Suggests a strong possibility, but with a slightly less assertive tone.

it is reasonably expected

Highlights the element of expectation based on available information.

chances are high

Uses a more informal phrasing to indicate a high probability.

it is to be expected

Similar to 'reasonably expected', but with a slightly stronger sense of inevitability.

it seems inevitable

Suggests a sense of unavoidable certainty about a future event.

the odds are in favor of

Expresses that the probability leans towards a particular outcome.

one can anticipate

Presents the outcome as something that can be foreseen based on current conditions.

it is foreseeable

Emphasizes that the outcome is predictable or can be reasonably anticipated.

FAQs

How can I use "it is highly likely" in a sentence?

You can use "it is highly likely" to express a strong probability. For instance, "Given the current economic climate, "it is highly likely" that interest rates will rise."

What are some alternatives to "it is highly likely"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it is very probable", "chances are high", or "it is almost certain", depending on the degree of certainty you wish to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "it is highly likely"?

It's not grammatically incorrect, but it's inappropriate if there is little to no evidence to support a strong probability. In such cases, less assertive phrases are more suitable.

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

"It is possible" suggests something could happen, while ""it is highly likely"" indicates a strong expectation based on available information, implying a much greater chance of occurrence.