likely no

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "likely no" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a probable negative response or outcome in a concise manner. Example: "Given the circumstances, the answer is likely no."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The answer is likely "no".

The Economist

Very likely no one has.

The New York Times

More likely, no one will.

The New York Times

More likely, no one is in control.

The Economist

Very likely no one will be watching.

The New Yorker

At this point, likely, no.

The Guardian - Sport

The answer is very likely no.

The New York Times

'I guess no one's bothered.' More likely, no one knew.

The Guardian - Sport

There was most likely no ranger for miles around.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

He said it was likely no-one would ever get to the bottom of the matter.

BBC

Not likely -- no matter what nationality you are.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "likely no" when you want to convey a probable negative outcome without being overly definitive. It's suitable for situations where there's a degree of uncertainty.

Common error

Avoid using "likely no" when the outcome is already known or highly certain. In such cases, a more direct negative statement is preferable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "likely no" functions as an elliptical response or a concise expression of a probable negative answer. It serves as an adverbial modifier to an implied verb, indicating the likelihood of something not happening. Ludwig AI provides multiple examples supporting its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "likely no" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to indicate a probable negative outcome. Ludwig AI analysis reveals that it is used across a variety of contexts, from news and media to scientific publications, with a generally neutral register. While it's a useful way to express uncertainty, it's important to avoid overstating certainty when a more direct negative statement is appropriate. Alternatives such as "probably not" and "most likely not" can offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

probably not

Emphasizes the probability of a negative outcome.

most likely not

Similar to "likely no" but adds a degree of certainty.

unlikely

A single word conveying low probability.

not probable

More formal way of expressing low probability.

hardly

Indicates a very low chance of something happening.

doubtful

Expresses uncertainty and a low expectation.

not expected

Indicates an outcome is not anticipated.

improbable

A formal term for unlikely.

scarcely

Suggests a minimal chance of occurrence.

not a chance

An informal and emphatic way to say something is not going to happen.

FAQs

How can I use "likely no" in a sentence?

You can use "likely no" to express a probable negative outcome or response. For example: "Is he going to accept the offer? The answer is "likely no"."

What are some alternatives to saying "likely no"?

Alternatives include "probably not", "most likely not", or simply "unlikely", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "likely no" instead of "probably no"?

Both "likely no" and "probably no" are grammatically correct, but "likely no" is more common and idiomatic. The choice depends on personal preference and context.

What's the difference between "likely no" and "definitely no"?

"Likely no" suggests a high probability of a negative outcome, whereas "definitely no" indicates certainty and leaves no room for doubt. "Likely no" implies a degree of uncertainty that "definitely no" lacks.