less likely to

USAGE SUMMARY

"less likely to" is correct and suitable for use in written English.
It is used when comparing the likelihood of two or more outcomes. An example sentence is: "In recent years, drivers have become less likely to be involved in fatal accidents due to the advancement of safety technology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are less likely to use contraceptives.

The Economist

"They're less likely to be reckless".

The New York Times

They were also less likely to smoke.

The New York Times

Online, that is less likely to happen.

The New York Times

They are also less likely to borrow.

The Economist

but less likely to vote.

The New Yorker

Less likely to come back?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They're less likely to advance.

Harvard Business Review

Women are less likely to leave boards.

Columbia University

are also less likely to burnout.

University of California, Berkeley

So they're less likely to push back.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "less likely to" when a more direct and concise phrasing is possible. For example, instead of saying "They are less likely to succeed if they don't try", consider "They will probably fail if they don't try".

Common error

Avoid using "less likely to" when you simply mean something is impossible. "Less likely" implies a degree of probability, not a complete absence of possibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less likely to" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a verb, indicating a lower probability of the action described by that verb. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less likely to" is a grammatically sound and common way to express a reduced probability or chance. As verified by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for use in a variety of contexts. It appears most frequently in news and academic sources. When using this phrase, ensure the comparison is clear. Consider alternatives like "less prone to" or "unlikely to" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less prone to

This alternative implies a decreased susceptibility or inclination towards something.

less inclined to

This suggests a reduced willingness or desire to do something.

less apt to

This indicates a decreased natural tendency or suitability.

less liable to

This implies a reduced chance of something negative happening.

unlikely to

This expresses a low probability of something occurring.

less susceptible to

This indicates a reduced vulnerability or sensitivity.

less disposed to

This suggests a reduced inclination or preference.

less subject to

This implies a reduced exposure or vulnerability.

less of a chance to

This phrase means there is a smaller possibility or likelihood for an action or event to happen.

diminished likelihood to

This is a formal way of indicating a lower probability.

FAQs

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

The phrase "less likely to" is used to express that something has a lower probability of occurring compared to something else. For example: "Students who attend class regularly are "less likely to" fail the course than those who skip class".

What are some alternatives to "less likely to"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "less prone to", "unlikely to", or "less inclined to" as alternatives to "less likely to".

Is it grammatically correct to say "less likely to"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Less" is used to form the comparative of adjectives and adverbs that do not form their comparative with "-er". "Likely" is one such word, so "less likely" is the correct comparative form.

What is the difference between "less likely to" and "unlikely to"?

"Less likely to" suggests a comparison of probabilities, while "unlikely to" indicates a low probability in general. For example, you might say "He is "less likely to" win than she is" (comparison) or "It is unlikely to rain today" (low probability).