it is likely still

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is likely still" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a probability or assumption that something continues to be the case or remains unchanged. Example: "Given the circumstances, it is likely still true that the project will be completed on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It did not offer an opinion on what prompted the sinking of the Ady Gil, except to say that the boat's engineers indicated it should not have sunk on its own (even with its hatches open it is likely still floating just below the surface, a possible navigation hazard).

The Guardian

One of the radioactive isotopes emitted by the nuclear plant, cesium-137, has a half-life of 30 years, meaning it "is likely still in the environment".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's there right now in the App Store, labeled as simply "Twitter" — but you can't download it just yet, as it's likely still in the process of being put up.

TechCrunch

As a Google spokesperson told me, though, the company doesn't currently have a timeline for when that will happen, but it's likely still a long way out.  .  .  .

TechCrunch

"It's likely still rising.

Huffington Post

Ikea's Malm bureau was recalled — twice — but it's likely still in millions of homes.

HuffPost

If REDD is not included in an international agreement, it is likely to still be included in domestic legislation of the U.S. and other nations.

Columbia University

Although an abundance of tape material now exists, it is likely that still more evidence is on the horizon.

The Washington Post

About a third of babies born with congenital diaphragmatic hernias die, and it is likely that still more die of this defect before birth.

The New York Times - Science

As just mentioned, it is likely (although still open for debate) that refracting superposition optics and the stalked-eye arrangement both evolved independently multiple times.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

By 28 days of life 38% of them had received postnatal steroids, it is likely that still more infants received steroids after 28 days.

BMC Pediatrics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is likely still", ensure the context clearly establishes what "it" refers to, avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "it is likely still" can sound repetitive in formal writing. Vary your phrasing by using alternatives like "it remains probable" or other synonyms that better suit the tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is likely still" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to express probability and continuation. Ludwig shows various contexts where this phrase indicates an ongoing state or condition.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

34%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is likely still" is a grammatically sound and versatile construction used to express the probability of something continuing to be true. According to Ludwig, it finds frequent application across diverse domains, including news, scientific research, and academic discussions. While appropriate for most contexts, consider the nuance of formality and explore alternatives to prevent repetition or monotony in your writing. The Ludwig AI analysis underscores its correctness and broad usability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's probably still

Replaces "likely" with "probably", indicating a slightly higher degree of certainty, less formal.

it is probably still

Replaces "likely" with "probably", indicating a slightly higher degree of certainty.

it remains likely that

Emphasizes the continuation of the likelihood rather than a state of being.

it is potentially still

Substitutes "likely" with "potentially", shifting the focus to possibility.

it is possibly still

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

it's likely that it still

Changes the structure by adding the "that", less concise but similar meaning.

chances are it's still

Uses a more colloquial expression to convey likelihood and continuation.

it is expected to still

Emphasizes expectation rather than likelihood.

one can assume it still

Shifts focus to the act of assumption rather than the likelihood.

it's presumed to still

Implies the situation is based on a presumption rather than a probability.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it is likely still" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "it remains probable", "it is plausible that it still", or "one can assume it still" depending on the context.

Is "it is likely still" appropriate for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "it is likely still" might be perceived as less sophisticated in academic writing. Consider using synonyms such as "it is potentially still" or "it is expected to still" to maintain a more formal tone.

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

The difference is subtle, but "probably" implies a slightly higher degree of certainty than "likely". "It is probably still" suggests a stronger belief that something remains true compared to "it is likely still".

How to use "it is likely still" in a sentence?

You can use "it is likely still" to express a belief that something continues to be the case. For example, "Despite the recent changes, it is likely still the best option available."