it will likely

USAGE SUMMARY

'it will likely' is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you are making predictions about something, usually when you are expecting a positive outcome or when something is probable. For example: "Given the current market conditions, it will likely be a good time to invest in the stock market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It will likely look like a small hole.

WikiHow

KPMG says it will likely phase out its BlackBerry program.

Forbes

It will likely divide the G.O.P.

The New Yorker

And it will likely continue.

The New York Times

It will likely stretch until April.

The New York Times - Sports

It will likely be less universalist.

The Guardian - Opinion

It will likely get much worse.

The Washington Post

It will likely become the most expensive house in London.

The New Yorker

It will likely get airstrikes, more arms, and a stalemate.

The New York Times

Experts say it will likely take at least a decade.

The New York Times

And it will likely cost the same for consumers.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it will likely" to convey a sense of probability or expectation without guaranteeing an outcome. It's suitable when evidence suggests a particular result is more probable than others.

Common error

Avoid using "it will likely" when you need to express absolute certainty. Instead, choose phrases that indicate a guaranteed outcome like "it will definitely" or "it is certain to."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it will likely" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, expressing a degree of probability or expectation regarding a future event or state. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it forecasts potential outcomes across diverse situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Wiki

12%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it will likely" is a versatile phrase used to express probability or expectation, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, it's important to convey a sense of probability without implying absolute certainty. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating how this phrase functions across diverse situations and informs predictions about future events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is probable that

Changes the structure to a more formal, declarative statement about probability.

the expectation is that

Shifts focus to the general expectation, rather than a specific prediction.

it is anticipated that

Similar to "it is expected to" but can suggest a slightly stronger degree of certainty or planning.

it seems plausible that

Emphasizes the believability or credibility of a future outcome.

it is expected to

Focuses on expectation rather than likelihood, implying a degree of anticipation.

it's quite possible that

Highlights the possibility, suggesting an acknowledgment of uncertainty.

it's a good bet that

Introduces an informal idiom, implying a high probability of occurrence.

chances are it will

Introduces a more informal and conversational tone, emphasizing possibility.

it's reasonable to assume

Frames the statement as a logical assumption based on available information.

one can anticipate that

Presents a more formal and somewhat detached perspective on what is expected.

FAQs

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

Use "it will likely" to express a probable outcome based on current conditions or available evidence. For example, "Given the weather forecast, "it will likely rain" later today."

What phrases can I use instead of "it will likely"?

You can use alternatives like "it is probable that", "chances are it will", or "it is expected to" depending on the level of formality you want to convey.

Is "it will likely" formal or informal?

"It will likely" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "it is probable that" might be preferred in highly formal writing.

What's the difference between "it will likely" and "it will definitely"?

"It will likely" suggests a high probability but does not guarantee the outcome. On the other hand, "it will definitely" indicates certainty and implies there is no doubt about the outcome.