it is more likely

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is more likely" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to convey that something is probable or has a higher chance of occurring. Example: It is more likely that it will rain tomorrow since it has been cloudy all day.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Therefore, it is more likely that other factors, like trust, foster intrinsic motivations to cooperate more.

Latin American Economic Review

It is more likely that each cell has its own constant rate of earthquake occurrence.

Earth, Planets and Space

But it is more likely than not.

The Economist

It is more likely to work.

The Economist

It is more likely that they would be acquitted.

The Guardian

"It makes you feel it is more likely to happen.

The Guardian

Others say it is more likely that he escaped.

The New York Times

"It is more likely to get pulled and torn".

The New York Times - Health

Nowadays it is more likely to be passive aggression.

The New York Times - Books

But it is more likely that they will demand reform.

The Economist

In fact, it is more likely to worsen.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context when choosing this phrase. In formal writing, more precise statistical language might be preferable.

Common error

Avoid using "it is more likely" when the evidence only suggests a possibility, not a genuine probability. Using weaker phrases like "it is possible" or "it might" is appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is more likely" functions as an adverbial phrase expressing probability or likelihood. According to Ludwig, this phrase indicates that one outcome is more probable than another. The examples show it used to make predictions, explain phenomena, and offer reasoned judgements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

39%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is more likely" is a versatile tool for expressing probability, frequently employed across diverse fields such as science, news, and academia. Grammatically sound and widely accepted, according to Ludwig AI, it indicates a higher chance of one event occurring compared to another. When deploying this phrase, ensure clarity in the comparison being made and consider your audience to maintain the appropriate level of formality. Remember, while "it is more likely" denotes a greater probability, it doesn't guarantee certainty; therefore, avoid overstating the likelihood without sufficient evidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is probable

This alternative uses a more formal word, "probable", to convey a similar level of likelihood.

it seems likely

This phrase adds a degree of perception or observation to the likelihood.

it is plausible

This alternative suggests something is believable or credible, making it likely.

chances are

This phrase is more informal and colloquial, implying a good possibility.

it is expected

This suggests an anticipation or reasonable expectation of something happening.

it is anticipated

Similar to "expected", but slightly more formal, suggesting foresight.

it is liable to

Indicates a tendency or predisposition for something to occur.

it is prone to

Similar to "liable to", emphasizing a susceptibility to something.

it would appear that

This alternative is more formal and tentative, suggesting a conclusion based on available evidence.

one can expect

Shifts the focus to a general expectation rather than a specific probability.

FAQs

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

Use "it is more likely" to express that one outcome is more probable than another. For example, "Given the forecast, "it is more likely" to rain than to snow".

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

Alternatives include "it is probable", "chances are", or "it is expected" depending on the context and desired formality.

Is it correct to say "it is likely" instead of "it is more likely"?

Yes, "it is likely" is correct and means something has a good chance of happening. "It is more likely" is used when comparing the probabilities of two or more outcomes.

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

"It is possible" indicates something could happen, while ""it is more likely"" suggests one outcome has a greater probability than another. "It is possible" sets the floor for an outcome, while ""it is more likely"" implies comparative odds.