it likely happens

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it likely happens" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when suggesting that something is probable or expected to occur based on certain circumstances or evidence. Example: "Given the current trends in technology, it likely happens that more jobs will require digital skills in the future."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A fourth outcome, time spent with twin, was originally considered as a predictor but was reconsidered as an outcome because it likely happens in tandem with goal setting skills transfer and satisfaction.

Globalization and Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

If this is how organic materials were distributed in our solar system, he says, it likely happened the same way in other parts of the universe.

Science Magazine

When you two broke up, it likely happened for a reason.

WikiHow

It's a monumental shift in federal policy, so it'll likely happen incrementally, but even so it may happen a lot sooner than you might think.

Huffington Post

And if it can happen at GE, it will likely happen at more companies as the nation's economy heads into a cooling phase.

Forbes

And if it isn't cyber-geniuses from China cracking the website itself, it'll likely happen to individual users.

TechCrunch

It would likely happen more quickly now.

The New Yorker

He said if his firm's prediction of an online murder did not come to pass in 2014, it would likely happen within the next few years.

Independent

And it will likely happen first via mobile.

TechCrunch

More precisely, we can use prognoses to predict how it most likely happened in the past.

European Journal of Futures Research

He suggested it would likely happen in the next 18-24 months, a timeline that's far enough out that anything could happen.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it likely happens" to express a reasonable expectation based on available information or established patterns. It works well when discussing trends, predictable outcomes, or recurring situations.

Common error

Avoid using "it likely happens" when the event is merely possible or speculative. This phrase suggests a higher degree of probability than phrases like "it might happen" or "it could happen". Be sure your level of certainty aligns with the evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it likely happens" functions as an introductory clause expressing probability. It sets the stage for a statement by indicating the high chance of something occurring. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it likely happens" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey a strong probability or expectation. As Ludwig AI explains, it's appropriate for various contexts, ranging from scientific discussions to news reports. While it maintains a neutral register, more formal alternatives are available for academic or professional settings. Its frequent use in diverse sources confirms its widespread acceptance as an effective way to communicate a likely outcome. The examples from Ludwig highlight the phrase's ability to introduce and contextualize statements regarding predictable events or trends.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it probably occurs

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

it is apt to occur

Uses "apt" to convey a natural tendency or inclination for the event to happen.

it is prone to happen

Highlights a susceptibility or vulnerability to the event's occurrence.

it is inclined to happen

Suggests a leaning or predisposition towards the event taking place.

it is expected to occur

Emphasizes an anticipation or forecast of the event.

it is anticipated to happen

Similar to "expected", but with a slightly more formal tone.

it is poised to happen

Implies the event is on the verge of occurring, ready and imminent.

it could very well happen

Introduces a possibility with emphasis, suggesting a plausible scenario.

chances are it will happen

Expresses the likelihood of the event happening through a common idiom.

it is within the realm of possibility

Indicates the event is possible, although not necessarily probable.

FAQs

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

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "it is probable", "it is likely to occur", or "it is expected to happen".

Is "it likely happens" appropriate for academic writing?

Yes, "it likely happens" is appropriate for academic writing, although more formal alternatives like "it is likely that" or "it is probable that" may be preferred depending on the specific context and required level of formality.

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

The difference between "it likely happens" and "it probably happens" is subtle. Both convey a sense of probability, but "likely" might suggest a slightly stronger degree of certainty based on evidence or reasoning, while "probably" could be more based on general experience or intuition.

When should I use "it likely happens" instead of "it usually happens"?

Use "it likely happens" when you want to emphasize that an event is probable based on current circumstances or a specific analysis. Use "it usually happens" when you're describing a common or typical occurrence based on past experience or observation.