it is likely lost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is likely lost" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a belief or assumption that something has been misplaced or is no longer available. Example: "After searching for hours, I have to conclude that it is likely lost."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The fact that bHLH1 is absent from all Coleopteran species examined indicates that it was likely lost early in Coleopteran evolution.

BMC Genomics

However, since this was pretty prime browsing time for Facebook's key markets in the West, it was likely losing a lot more.

TechCrunch

The film is likely lost.

Wikipedia

Therefore it is likely that lost productive worktime was underestimated, especially among women.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

It is likely a lost film.

Wikipedia

Wall Street analysts estimate that Northwest has lost $250 million to $300 million and that it is likely to lose more as it begins fare discounts and other promotions to draw back passengers.

The New York Times

"Unfortunately, conflicts seldom end until one side loses — or realizes that it is likely to lose unless it agrees to a negotiated settlement".

The New York Times

And as it loses more land in the coming months, it is likely to lose more fighters.

BBC

But it is likely to lose its title this year to the 206CC, which has put a trick top within reach of average sun-loving Europeans.

The New York Times

The Pop-Up Theater company for children, based in London and in business for more than 25 years, has been told that it is likely to lose its $392,000 grant.

The New York Times - Arts

Joseph in Vermont is reportedly close to closing soon because it is likely to lose its accreditation.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is likely lost" when you want to express a probable conclusion based on available evidence, but without definitive proof. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "it is likely lost" when you have concrete evidence that the item is, in fact, definitively lost. In such cases, a more certain phrasing like "it is confirmed lost" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is likely lost" functions as an assessment of probability. It indicates a belief or assumption that something has been misplaced, is unavailable, or has ceased to exist. As Ludwig AI states, it's usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is likely lost" is a grammatically sound and understandable way to express that something is probably missing or irretrievable. Although relatively rare, its use is appropriate across various contexts from news to science. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable. While it is suitable for diverse contexts, it's important to ensure that the level of certainty matches the available evidence, choosing more definitive wording when appropriate. The phrase serves to communicate a probable outcome, acknowledging a degree of uncertainty. Several alternatives exist, such as "it is probably gone" or "it seems to be lost", allowing for nuanced expression of probability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is probably gone

Replaces "likely lost" with a more direct synonym, conveying a slightly stronger sense of certainty.

it is presumably lost

Substitutes "likely" with "presumably", indicating an assumption based on some evidence but without absolute proof.

it is possibly lost

Replaces "likely" with "possibly", suggesting a lower degree of certainty.

it's likely misplaced

Replaces "lost" with "misplaced", implying the item might still be recoverable.

it is thought to be lost

Adds a passive construction, emphasizing the general belief or opinion about the item being lost.

it appears to be lost

Uses "appears" to suggest the conclusion is based on observation rather than definite knowledge.

it seems to be lost

Similar to "appears", indicating a perception or impression of being lost.

chances are it's lost

Employs a more informal expression, indicating a reasonable probability.

it's feared to be lost

Indicates concern or worry alongside the possibility of being lost.

one can assume it's lost

Highlights the act of assuming, suggesting the conclusion is based on incomplete information.

FAQs

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

Use "it is likely lost" when expressing a belief or assumption that something has been misplaced or is no longer available. For example, "After searching everywhere, "it is likely lost"."

What can I say instead of "it is likely lost"?

You can use alternatives like "it is probably gone", "it is presumably lost", or "it seems to be lost" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "it is likely lost" or "it is probably lost"?

Both "it is likely lost" and "it is probably lost" are correct. The choice depends on the degree of certainty you wish to convey. "Probably" suggests a slightly stronger likelihood than "likely".

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

"It is likely lost" suggests a higher probability than "it is possibly lost". "Likely" indicates a good chance, while "possibly" suggests just a chance, however small.