it is most likely

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is most likely" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to express something that is very probable or expected to happen. Example: "It is most likely going to rain tomorrow, so I suggest bringing an umbrella with you."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it is most likely that Neagle is slumping.

The New York Times - Sports

They have said that it is most likely cerebral palsy.

The New York Times

It is most likely to be, well, lascivious.

The New York Times

"It is most likely not a permanent increase".

The New York Times

It is most likely years away from operation.

The New York Times

It is most likely broken into bite-size pieces, encouraging us to eat more.

The New York Times

Officials believe it is most likely that the man was bitten in August.

The New York Times

It is most likely that Federico Macheda will also be around somewhere.

The Guardian - Sport

If he is lined up off center, it is most likely a pass.

The New York Times - Sports

It is, most likely, one of the many tools needed to fix our carbon problem.

The New Yorker

It is most likely that these firms are small firms.

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for brevity or informality, consider alternatives like "chances are" or "odds are", but be mindful of the change in tone.

Common error

Avoid constructing overly passive sentences with "it is most likely". Instead, restructure the sentence to highlight the active agent or cause, which enhances clarity and engagement. For example, instead of "It is most likely that the storm caused the damage", try "The storm most likely caused the damage".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is most likely" functions as an adverbial phrase expressing a high degree of probability or likelihood. It modifies a statement by indicating the speaker's confidence in its truth, consistent with examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

51%

News & Media

38%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is most likely" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to convey a high degree of probability. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and provides numerous examples across diverse domains, particularly Science and News & Media. While alternatives exist to adjust the tone or formality, "it is most likely" remains a versatile and reliable choice for expressing informed assumptions. Remember to avoid passive voice constructions for clearer writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is highly probable

This alternative suggests a strong degree of certainty, similar to the original phrase, but with a slightly more formal tone.

it is very probable

This phrase is nearly identical in meaning, offering a direct synonym for expressing a high likelihood.

it seems probable

This version uses "seems" to indicate a conclusion based on available evidence, softening the assertiveness.

chances are high

This alternative is more informal and conversational, suggesting a good possibility of something happening.

it is to be expected

This alternative implies an anticipation based on prior knowledge or usual circumstances.

it is foreseeable

This option is more formal and suggests that the outcome can be predicted or anticipated.

it is reasonable to assume

This suggests a logical deduction based on the given information, with a focus on the reasoning process.

the odds are

This is a less formal, more colloquial way of saying something is probable, often used in everyday conversation.

one can anticipate

This phrase expresses a level of expectation or foresight, emphasizing proactive consideration.

it's a good bet

Similar to "the odds are", this is an informal idiom suggesting confidence in the likelihood of an event.

FAQs

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

The phrase "it is most likely" is used to express a strong probability or expectation. For example, "It is most likely that the man was bitten in August" or "It is most likely a dwarf planet."

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

Alternatives include "it is highly probable", "chances are high", or "it seems probable", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is "it is likely" the same as "it is most likely"?

While both phrases express probability, "it is most likely" indicates a higher degree of confidence or certainty than simply "it is likely". The addition of "most" intensifies the likelihood.

When is it appropriate to use "it is most likely" in writing?

Use "it is most likely" when you have substantial evidence or reasoning to support a high probability, such as when "officials believe" something based on evidence, or when describing a scientific finding where a particular outcome is highly probable.