likely because of

USAGE SUMMARY

"likely because of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to make an inference or speculation about the cause of something. For example, "The public schools were overcrowded, likely because of the rapid growth of the city's population."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Or, more likely, because of it.

The New York Times - Books

Reem's seasickness was particularly acute, likely because of her pregnancy.

The New Yorker

The hoodies did well in California, likely because of the hoodie's backstory.

The Guardian

He said a built-to-suit project was more likely because of the level of interest.

The New York Times

Despite the isolation, or more likely because of it, Greenpoint flourishes culturally.

The New York Times - Food

According to some, their use will be less likely because of the threat they could pose.

The Guardian

More dismissals are likely because of the budget shortfall, he said.

The New York Times

Several extreme rainfall events have already been made more likely because of warming, analyses have shown.

The Guardian

Linkages are highly likely because of the nature of international terrorism.

The Guardian

Despite those elements—or, more likely, because of them the run was essentially sold out.

The New Yorker

Dr. Lazareff said María Teresa was somewhat hearing-impaired, most likely because of the surgery.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "likely because of", ensure that the context clearly supports the inference you are making. Provide sufficient evidence or reasoning to strengthen the likelihood of the cause-and-effect relationship.

Common error

Avoid using "likely because of" when the cause is definitively known. This phrase implies a degree of uncertainty or inference, so using it in cases of established fact can weaken your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "likely because of" functions as a causal connector, linking an event or situation with its probable cause. Ludwig AI indicates its acceptability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "likely because of" is a commonly used causal connector that suggests a probable cause or reason. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. It's frequently found in both scientific and news contexts, indicating a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure the context supports your inference and avoid overstating the certainty of the cause. Alternatives such as "probably due to" or "most likely a result of" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey. The frequency of the phrase is high, marking it as a standard element in written communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

probably due to

Emphasis on probability, focusing on the cause.

most likely a result of

Highlights the outcome as being highly probable.

possibly owing to

Indicates a possibility rather than a certainty.

conceivably on account of

Suggests a more remote or speculative reason.

potentially stemming from

Focuses on the origin or source as a possibility.

plausibly attributable to

Emphasizes the reasonableness of assigning the cause.

may be ascribed to

Suggests assigning a cause but with less certainty.

perhaps induced by

Implies a stimulus or trigger as a likely cause.

arguably a consequence of

Introduces a debatable or contentious cause.

presumably triggered by

Highlights a presumed trigger, often based on assumption.

FAQs

How can I use "likely because of" in a sentence?

Use "likely because of" to suggest a probable cause or reason for something. For example, "The project was delayed, likely because of unforeseen circumstances."

What are some alternatives to "likely because of"?

You can use alternatives like "probably due to", "most likely a result of", or "possibly owing to" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "most likely because of" instead of "likely because of"?

Yes, "most likely because of" is also correct and emphasizes a higher degree of probability compared to "likely because of".

What's the difference between "likely because of" and "due to"?

"Due to" indicates a more direct and certain cause, while "likely because of" suggests a probable but not definitively proven cause. Therefore, "due to" is used when the reason is known.