likely answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "likely answer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a probable or expected response to a question or situation. Example: "After analyzing the data, the likely answer to the problem seems to be a lack of resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Also a likely answer.

Independent

The likely answer?

The New York Times

The likely answer is 2011.

The New York Times - Sports

The likely answer is no.

The New York Times

The likely answer is yes, writes Subramanian.

Harvard University

The most likely answer is, freeze.

The Guardian - Opinion

Wearable computing seems a likely answer.

MIT Technology Review

"Here's the likely answer: that was what was available".

The New Yorker

The most likely answer, however, is more straightforward.

The Guardian

An iron-hearted few, is the likely answer.

The Economist

The likely answer is a bit of both.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "likely answer" when you want to present the most probable explanation or solution based on the available evidence or information. It suggests a degree of certainty without being definitive.

Common error

Avoid using "likely answer" when a definitive answer is required or known. Instead, use factual statements or findings to provide a concrete answer.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "likely answer" functions as a qualifier presenting a response that is considered probable but not definitively proven. As Ludwig AI shows, the phrase often introduces an explanation or solution based on available evidence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "likely answer" is a versatile and frequently used expression that presents a probable explanation or solution. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely accepted across various writing styles. It functions to introduce reasoned responses when certainty is not possible, maintaining a neutral tone suitable for academic, news, and general contexts. Common alternatives include "probable solution" and "most plausible response". To ensure clarity, avoid using "likely answer" when a definitive answer is available and remember that it's most effective when offering a considered judgment rather than an absolute declaration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

probable solution

Replaces 'answer' with 'solution', focusing on the resolution aspect.

most plausible response

Emphasizes the believability of the answer.

expected resolution

Highlights the anticipation of a particular outcome.

reasonable explanation

Suggests the answer is logical and well-founded.

potential clarification

Focuses on the answer's ability to make something clearer.

presumed result

Implies an outcome that is anticipated based on current evidence.

possible interpretation

Highlights that the answer is one way of understanding something.

conceivable explanation

Indicates that the answer is within the realm of possibility.

the best guess

Suggests the answer is an estimation based on available information.

a good bet

Uses a more informal idiom to indicate a high probability.

FAQs

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

Use "likely answer" to introduce a probable explanation or solution. For example, "The "likely answer" is that more research is needed" or "A "likely answer" to that question is additional funding".

What are some alternatives to "likely answer"?

You can use alternatives like "probable solution", "most plausible response", or "expected resolution" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "likely answer"?

It's appropriate to use "likely answer" when you want to suggest the most probable explanation, but you cannot confirm with complete certainty. It is commonly used in discussions, reports, and analyses where conclusions are drawn from available information.

Is "most likely answer" different from "likely answer"?

"Most "likely answer"" implies that it is the most probable among several possible answers, whereas ""likely answer"" simply indicates a high probability without explicitly comparing it to other possibilities. The difference is subtle but can impact the emphasis of your statement.