it seems likely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it seems likely" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a probability or a belief about a situation based on available information. Example: "Given the recent trends in the market, it seems likely that sales will increase next quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It seems likely that its resolutions will be defeated.

The Economist

It seems likely.

Independent

It Seems Likely.

The New York Times - Health

It seems likely enough.

The Guardian

But it seems likely.

The Guardian

It seems likely, however, that the Pres.

The New Yorker

It seems likely that it won't.

The New Yorker

It seems likely that they will be.

The New York Times - Arts

However, it seems likely that trans fats' days are numbered.

Harvard University

It seems likely that the issue will be debated.

The New York Times

At this time it seems likely that while the Pres.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it seems likely" to introduce a statement where you have a reasonable degree of confidence based on available evidence, but without asserting it as a certainty.

Common error

Avoid using "it seems likely" when the evidence is overwhelming and a definitive statement is more appropriate. Saying "it seems likely" when the conclusion is nearly certain weakens your assertion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it seems likely" functions as an epistemic modal. It expresses a judgment about the probability of a certain event or situation, indicating that based on the available information, something is more probable than not. Ludwig AI provides many examples of its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it seems likely" is a versatile tool for expressing probability and reasoned judgment across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. When using "it seems likely", remember to ground your assessment in evidence and avoid overstating certainty. Consider alternatives like "it appears probable" or "it is likely" to fine-tune your expression of probability. By following these guidelines, you can effectively communicate your informed expectations and analyses with clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it appears probable

Replaces "seems" with "appears" and "likely" with "probable", offering a more formal tone.

it seems probable

Substitutes "likely" with "probable" to denote a high degree of possibility.

it is probable

Omission of "seems" to give a straightforward indication of probability.

it is likely

A more direct expression of probability, omitting "seems" for brevity.

it would appear that

Introduces a sense of observation or deduction in drawing a conclusion.

it is reasonable to assume

Suggests that there is a rational basis for expecting something.

one can reasonably expect

Emphasizes the rationality behind anticipating a particular outcome.

chances are

A colloquial way of indicating a good possibility of something happening.

the odds are

Uses gambling terminology to indicate that something is more probable than not.

it is anticipated that

Conveys an expectation of something happening, often based on prior knowledge or planning.

FAQs

How can I use "it seems likely" in a sentence?

Use "it seems likely" to express a probability or expectation based on the available information. For example: "Given the current economic indicators, "it seems likely" that interest rates will rise."

What are some alternatives to "it seems likely"?

You can use alternatives like "it appears probable", "it seems probable", or "it is likely" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "it seems likely" formal or informal?

"It seems likely" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although alternatives like "it appears probable" may be more appropriate for highly formal writing.

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

"It seems likely" suggests a higher degree of probability than "it is possible". While "it is possible" indicates that something could happen, ""it seems likely"" implies that it's more probable than not.