less likely

USAGE SUMMARY

"less likely" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate lesser probability or degree. For example, "He is less likely to return this time than last time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Less likely.

The Economist

Less likely than unlikely?

The New York Times - Sports

Less likely than whom?

Independent

Consensus seems less likely.

The New Yorker

Obama-Clinton is less likely.

The New Yorker

But this looks less likely.

The Economist

Now that seems less likely.

The Economist

Others are less likely.

The Guardian - Film

That seems less likely.

The New York Times - Arts

That's less likely.

The Guardian - Film

Even less likely Pynchon.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less likely" to describe probability, reserving "unlikely" for situations bordering on impossible.

Common error

Avoid using "less likely" when you mean something is practically impossible. "Unlikely" suggests a very low probability, whereas "less likely" implies a comparison within a range of probabilities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less likely" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a reduced probability or chance. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this is a standard grammatical construction. The phrase serves to qualify the likelihood of a particular event or situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less likely" is a grammatically sound and frequently used comparative adjective phrase that effectively conveys a reduced probability or chance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Business. When using "less likely", ensure clarity by specifying what you're comparing it to, and avoid confusing it with "unlikely", which implies a much lower probability. For alternatives, consider phrases such as "less probable" or "not as likely".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less probable

This alternative directly replaces "likely" with its synonym "probable", maintaining a high degree of semantic similarity.

less apt

Using "apt" suggests a decreased natural tendency or suitability, similar to something being less likely.

not as likely

This phrase uses a negative comparison to express a lower degree of likelihood.

unlikely

This is a more direct way of stating that something isn't expected to happen.

improbable

Similar to "unlikely", "improbable" emphasizes the low odds or chances of something occurring.

lower chance

This option replaces "likely" with "chance", focusing on the reduced possibility of something happening.

smaller possibility

Using "possibility" emphasizes the existence of a chance, albeit a reduced one.

not expected

This focuses on the lack of anticipation or expectation for something to occur.

diminished prospect

This alternative highlights a reduced outlook or potential for something to happen.

reduced likelihood

This uses a more formal noun phrase to convey a diminished chance of occurrence.

FAQs

How can I use "less likely" in a sentence?

"Less likely" is used to indicate a lower probability or chance of something happening compared to something else. For example: "Due to the new safety measures, accidents are "less likely" to occur."

What's the difference between "less likely" and "unlikely"?

"Less likely" suggests a comparative degree of probability, while "unlikely" suggests a low probability in general. "Less likely" is used when comparing two possibilities, and "unlikely" is used for something with a low chance of happening.

What are some alternatives to saying "less likely"?

Alternatives include "less probable", "less apt", or "not as likely". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "less likely"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Less" is used to compare quantities or degrees of something that cannot be counted, and "likely" is an adjective describing the probability of something. The phrase "less likely" is a standard and acceptable way to express a lower probability.