likely already

USAGE SUMMARY

'likely already' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate that something is highly probable or expected to have already happened. It is typically used in informal or conversational language. Example: "I don't think we need to remind her, she's likely already finished the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Like any stealth offensive, by the time we become aware it's likely already causing damage.

Huffington Post

They likely already have.

The New Yorker

A strong external candidate likely already has a long-term share plan at his current employer.

The Guardian - Business

This is on top of the 100 to 150m tonnes likely already in the ocean.

The Guardian

And most people who can qualify have likely already taken advantage of the lower rates.

The New York Times

Thus such extraction and recognition is likely already at the edges of what's currently possible.

The Economist

The government has said that those rods at the No. 3 reactor were likely already damaged.

The New York Times

The uncertainty price has likely already been paid.

Forbes

You may likely already be covering the basics.

Forbes

The numbers say these activities are likely already happening.

Forbes

Unfortunately, at that point, you've more than likely already lost.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "likely already" to convey a sense of probability about a past or present action or state. It's more suitable for informal contexts, but can be adapted for neutral or professional communications. Consider alternatives like "probably already" for a slightly lower degree of certainty.

Common error

Avoid using "likely already" when you need to express absolute certainty. While it suggests a high probability, it doesn't guarantee that something has happened. In situations requiring definite statements, use phrases like "definitely has" or "certainly has".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "likely already" functions as an adverbial modifier, expressing a high degree of probability regarding a completed or existing state. It modifies verbs or entire clauses to indicate that something is highly expected to have occurred. As shown by Ludwig, the phrase is commonly used to add a sense of probability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "likely already" is a common and acceptable phrase used to indicate a strong probability that something has occurred. According to Ludwig AI, it functions as an adverbial modifier and appears most frequently in news and media sources, as well as in wikis. When writing, it's best used in neutral to informal contexts. While "likely already" suggests a high degree of probability, it should be avoided where absolute certainty is required. Consider alternatives like "probably already" or "almost certainly already" based on the desired level of certainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

probably already

Replaces "likely" with "probably", indicating a slightly lower degree of certainty.

almost certainly already

Adds emphasis with "almost certainly", suggesting a very high degree of confidence.

most likely already

Replaces "likely" with "most likely", offering a slightly more emphatic alternative.

very likely already

Adds intensity using "very likely", strengthening the probability.

in all likelihood already

Uses a more formal phrasing to convey a strong probability.

presumably already

Suggests that something is assumed based on reasonable evidence.

potentially already

Indicates a possibility that something has happened, but with less certainty.

conceivably already

Similar to 'potentially', but perhaps even more tentative.

quite possibly already

Emphasizes possibility, implying a good chance something has occurred.

possibly already

Indicates that something may have happened, though it is not certain.

FAQs

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

"Likely already" is used to express that something has probably or very possibly happened. For instance, "They've worked hard; they've "likely already" completed the task".

What phrases are similar to "likely already"?

Alternatives include "probably already", "almost certainly already", or "most likely already". The choice depends on the level of certainty you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "already likely" instead of "likely already"?

While grammatically understandable, "likely already" is the more common and natural phrasing. "Already likely" may sound awkward to native English speakers. Sticking with the phrase "likely already" is generally preferable.

When should I avoid using the phrase "likely already"?

Avoid using "likely already" in situations that require absolute certainty or in very formal writing where a more precise term is appropriate. In such cases, phrases such as "almost certainly", or "it is highly probable" might be more suitable.