it is likely to become

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is likely to become" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the probability of something changing or developing in the future. Example: "Given the current trends in technology, it is likely to become the standard practice in the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Although this technology is still in its infancy, it is likely to become increasingly important as internet telephony evolves.

Forbes

Should Sweden decide to slash its development aid budget this year, it is likely to become the third Nordic country to do so.

The Guardian

In addition, due to its very favorable safety profile, it is likely to become an increasingly important drug in the treatment of various stages of prostate cancer moving forward.

Core Evidence

Yet Medicaid has never been especially popular, and when its expanded role becomes more widely understood, it is likely to become less popular still.

The New York Times

The team is to be lauded for its efforts to find housing for TB patients, but it is likely to become increasingly difficult.

The Guardian

It is likely to become rougher.

The New York Times

Next to nothing of it is likely to become law.

The Economist

It is likely to become even more so.

The Economist

On current trends, it is likely to become more severe.

The New York Times

Now it is likely to become a gas exporter.

The Economist

It is likely to become standard in the industry within the next few years.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is likely to become", ensure the subject is clearly defined and the predicted outcome is plausible given the available evidence. This strengthens the credibility of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "it is likely to become" when the outcome is highly uncertain or speculative. Instead, use softer phrases like "it might become" or "it could become" to reflect the ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is likely to become" functions as a predictive expression, indicating a probable future state or condition. Ludwig AI shows it's commonly used to forecast trends or developments, as demonstrated in examples like, "it is likely to become increasingly important as internet telephony evolves."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is likely to become" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to project a probable future state. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used across various domains, particularly in News & Media and Scientific contexts, maintaining a neutral register that fits both formal and informal communication. When deploying "it is likely to become", it is essential to ensure that the claim is grounded in reasonable evidence to maintain credibility and avoid overstating the certainty of the prediction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is on track to become

Suggests progress and momentum toward a specified future state.

it will probably evolve into

Expresses a slightly less formal and more evolutionary transition than the original phrase.

it is expected to grow into

Focuses specifically on the growth aspect of a transformation.

it is poised to develop into

Suggests a readiness or potential for growth and change.

it is anticipated to transform into

A more formal and emphatic way of indicating a future change.

it is projected to turn into

Implies a forecast or prediction about a future state.

it is shaping up to be

Implies that something is evolving in such a way that suggests the likely outcome

it is foreseen to become

Highlights the act of foreseeing or anticipating a future state.

it will likely turn out to be

It suggests a future revelation, often after a period of uncertainty.

it is apt to transform into

Indicates a natural tendency or inclination toward change.

FAQs

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

Use "it is likely to become" to express a reasonable expectation of future change or development. For example, "Given current trends, it is likely to become the standard practice."

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

You can use alternatives such as "it is expected to become", "it is anticipated to become", or "it will probably evolve into" depending on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

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

"It is likely to become" suggests a high probability but not a guarantee, while "it is certain to become" implies absolute certainty. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the level of confidence in your prediction.

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

"It is likely to become" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its neutrality makes it versatile for various types of writing and speech.