likely future

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "likely future" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a future event or situation that is expected to happen with a certain degree of probability. Example: "In the likely future, we may see significant advancements in renewable energy technology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In this article I'd like to prompt some thoughts about this market and its likely future.

Network Security

This was not his likely future.

The Guardian - Film

But the document is also brutally honest about the likely future of MtGox – and bitcoin itself.

The Guardian - Tech

Exposed to provincial high life, Clyde looks at his likely future with nauseated dismay.

The New Yorker

Montebourg is now kingmaker and a likely future government minister if the left win.

The Guardian

Did you always know, as a kid, that this was the likely future for you?

The New Yorker

They may become players but are more likely future high-ranking administrators.

The Guardian - Sport

The expert added: "Scenarios are not intended to be predictions of likely future events or outcomes".

The Guardian

Instead, climate change will make it even less likely future storms will follow Sandy's devastating track.

The Guardian

Beyond Florida, Mr. Bush, of course, is no longer talked about as a likely future president.

The New York Times

A diversity of new fuels and energy sources seems the most likely future.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing scenarios, use "likely future" to convey a sense of probability rather than definitive prediction. This acknowledges uncertainty while still indicating a reasonable expectation.

Common error

Avoid using "likely future" when the outcome is highly uncertain or speculative. Instead, use phrases like "possible future" or "potential outcome" to reflect the ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "likely future" functions as a noun phrase, where "likely" modifies the noun "future". It describes a period or state that is expected to occur. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage. It's used to discuss potential developments across various fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "likely future" is a commonly used phrase to describe expected or probable events, primarily in news, media, and scientific contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and offers examples across diverse sources. When writing, use it to convey probability with a degree of certainty and to avoid overstating predictions. Consider related phrases such as "probable future" or "expected future" to fine-tune your meaning. The phrase is versatile across professional and formal writing, lending itself to predictions and trend analyses with a relatively neutral tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

probable future

Replaces "likely" with "probable", suggesting a slightly higher degree of certainty.

expected future

Substitutes "likely" with "expected", implying anticipation based on current trends.

anticipated future

Uses "anticipated" instead of "likely", suggesting a future that is awaited with some eagerness or concern.

projected future

Employs "projected", indicating a future estimated based on data or models.

foreseeable future

Replaces "likely future" with a more encompassing term suggesting events within a predictable timeframe.

potential future

Highlights the possibility of the future occurring, rather than its likelihood.

imminent future

Implies that the future is near or about to happen, adding a sense of urgency.

approaching future

Suggests that the future is coming closer, focusing on the progression of time.

ensuing future

Indicates that the future will follow directly after a specific event or period.

coming times

A more general and less precise way to refer to the future.

FAQs

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

You can use "likely future" to describe events or situations that are expected to happen with a reasonable degree of certainty. For example, "The report examines the "likely future" of renewable energy."

What phrases are similar to "likely future"?

Alternatives include "probable future", "expected future", or "anticipated future", depending on the degree of certainty you want to convey.

Is "likely future" the same as "possible future"?

No, "likely future" suggests a higher probability than "possible future". "Likely" indicates a reasonable expectation, while "possible" simply means it could happen.

When is it more appropriate to use "foreseeable future" instead of "likely future"?

Foreseeable future generally refers to a period that can be reasonably predicted, whereas "likely future" refers to specific events or conditions that are expected to occur within any timeframe, near or far.