it is likely to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it is likely to be' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to express that a certain event, situation, or outcome has a high likelihood of occurring. For example, "The forecast predicts rain this weekend, so it is likely to be a wet one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is likely to be West.

The New York Times

It is likely to be messy.

The Economist

It is likely to be the taxpayer.

The Economist

It is likely to be sobering.

The Economist

Yet it is likely to be rocky.

The New York Times - Sports

It is likely to be far worse".

The Guardian

It is likely to be critical.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is likely to be as uncontainable.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is likely to be released today.

The Guardian

It is likely to be vastly under reported," she says.

The Guardian

But it is likely to be a long process.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is likely to be", ensure that the subject it refers to is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "It is likely to be delayed", specify "The flight is likely to be delayed".

Common error

Avoid using "it is likely to be" repeatedly in formal documents. Vary your language with synonyms like "it is expected to be" or "it is anticipated to be" to maintain reader engagement and demonstrate stylistic versatility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is likely to be" functions as an epistemic modal expression, indicating a speaker's assessment of the probability of a particular state or event. Ludwig AI confirms this by providing various examples across different contexts. It modifies a following statement to express uncertainty, possibility, or a qualified prediction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

18%

Science

17%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is likely to be" is a versatile phrase used to express a high probability or expectation, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as an epistemic modal, allowing speakers and writers to convey their beliefs without absolute certainty. While suitable for various contexts, including news, academic, and scientific writing, it's important to vary language and ensure clarity, as well as defining what "it" refers to. The examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate its prevalence across diverse sources, making it a common and useful phrase in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it will probably be

Replaces 'likely' with 'probably', indicating a slightly less formal tone but retaining a high degree of certainty.

it is expected to be

Emphasizes anticipation or prediction based on available information rather than inherent likelihood.

it is anticipated to be

Similar to 'expected', but with a slightly more formal tone, suggesting a degree of planning or preparation.

it is prone to be

Implies a natural tendency or susceptibility towards a particular outcome, often negative.

chances are it will be

Introduces a colloquial element, highlighting probability in a less formal manner.

it is liable to be

Suggests a legal or formal responsibility, or a negative outcome is probable.

it is bound to be

Indicates a sense of inevitability or destiny, suggesting a very high probability.

it is apt to be

Highlights a natural suitability or tendency toward a specific result.

it seems probable that it will be

Adds a layer of observation or deduction, suggesting the probability is based on evidence.

one can anticipate it to be

Shifts the focus to the ability to foresee or predict an outcome.

FAQs

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

Use "it is likely to be" to express a high probability or expectation of a particular event or outcome. For example, "Given the current market trends, "it is likely to be" a successful product launch".

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

Alternatives include "it is expected to be", "it will probably be", or "chances are it will be", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is "it is likely to be" formal or informal?

"It is likely to be" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "it is anticipated to be" might be preferred in highly formal writing.

What's the difference between "it is likely to be" and "it is certain to be"?

"It is likely to be" suggests a high probability but allows for the possibility of other outcomes. "It is certain to be", on the other hand, implies a guaranteed or inevitable outcome with no room for doubt.