it will likely be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it will likely be" is correct and can be used in written English.
It usually expresses a prediction about the future. For example, "The weather forecast says it will be sunny tomorrow, but it will likely be cloudy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Tragically, it will likely be its last gasp prior to rigor mortis.

Huffington Post

"Like all other creative, novel approaches it will likely be heavily copied almost immediately.

Forbes

Like the remembrance at the Great Basin, it will likely be a guerrilla act.

Los Angeles Times

It will likely be less universalist.

The Guardian - Opinion

It will likely be two decades or more.

The New Yorker

It will likely be years before the economy recovers.

The New York Times

"It will likely be redeveloped," Mr. Cantwell said.

The New York Times

As a result it will likely be costly.

MIT Technology Review

"It will likely be extended," Flake told Fox News Radio.

The Washington Post

It will likely be delivered as an inhaler and prescribed by a relationship counsellor.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

By then, it will likely be too late to salvage this season.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it will likely be", ensure that the context clearly supports the prediction. Avoid using it for events that are purely speculative without any factual basis.

Common error

Avoid using "it will likely be" when the outcome is highly uncertain. Opt for phrases that convey more doubt, such as "it might be" or "it could be", to maintain accuracy and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it will likely be" functions as a modal expression indicating a prediction or expectation about a future event or state. It modifies a statement to convey a degree of probability, as Ludwig examples show.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it will likely be" is a versatile phrase used to express a reasonable expectation or prediction about the future. Ludwig's analysis highlights its frequent use in news and media contexts, emphasizing its role in conveying informed opinions. While grammatically correct and widely accepted, it's essential to ensure that the prediction is grounded in some form of evidence to avoid overstating certainty. Alternatives like "it is likely to be" or "it will probably be" can provide similar shades of meaning, depending on the desired level of formality or emphasis. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is a standard component of English, offering a balance between prediction and possibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is likely to be

Changes the construction to a more direct statement of likelihood, slightly increasing formality.

it will probably be

Substitutes "likely" with "probably", offering a near-identical level of certainty in a more colloquial tone.

it is expected to be

Emphasizes anticipation or prediction based on current information or trends.

it is anticipated to be

Similar to "expected", but carries a slightly more formal tone, implying careful consideration.

it is projected to be

Suggests a forecast based on data or modeling, often used in business or scientific contexts.

it's conceivable that it will be

Introduces an element of possibility, implying that something is imaginable but not necessarily probable.

chances are it will be

Presents a more informal expression of probability, suitable for casual conversation.

it's reasonable to expect it will be

Justifies the expectation with a hint of logical deduction, making the prediction seem grounded.

it could very well be

Adds emphasis to the possibility, suggesting a strong inclination but stopping short of certainty.

it seems destined to be

Implies a sense of inevitability or fate, suggesting that the outcome is predetermined.

FAQs

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

Use "it will likely be" to express a strong possibility or expectation about a future event. For example, "Given the current trend, "it will likely be" a popular choice".

What are some alternatives to "it will likely be"?

Alternatives include "it is likely to be", "it will probably be", or "it is expected to be", each carrying slight nuances in formality and emphasis.

Is there a difference between "it will likely be" and "it is likely to be"?

While both phrases convey probability, "it will likely be" focuses more on future expectation, whereas "it is likely to be" presents a more general assessment of likelihood. The difference is subtle and context-dependent.

When is it inappropriate to use "it will likely be"?

Avoid using "it will likely be" when the outcome is highly speculative or lacks supporting evidence. In such cases, phrases like "it might be" or "it could be" are more suitable.