likely so

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "likely so" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means that something is probable or expected to happen. Example: "Based on the current market trends, it is likely so that our company will see an increase in sales next quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We are in negotiations with Auckland to see if there's a potential early release, but at the moment that doesn't look likely so it looks like early November".

BBC

But, some kind of reversal is likely, so what might it look like?

The Guardian

"I've got to know if you're in trouble, because, frankly, if you're in trouble then most likely so am I, and so is my family, and I don't like that.

The New York Times - Magazine

Likely so.

The New York Times - Magazine

Most likely so.

The New Yorker

"I think, likely so," the general said.

The New York Times

Most likely, so will the viewer.

The New York Times

An attack is highly likely so we have to respond".

Independent

It makes score changes less likely so, in theory, the £50 gamble is less worthwhile.

The Guardian

Malasky knew that the second shape was mathematically much more likely, so he played for spades to be 3-3.

The New York Times

Getting hit by shrapnel was statistically more likely so the rational choice would be to wear the flak jacket every time.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "likely so" when you want to express a reasoned assumption or expectation based on existing information. It's suitable for situations where a direct confirmation isn't available but the evidence points towards a particular outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "likely so" excessively in highly formal or academic writing where more precise language might be preferred. Consider stronger alternatives such as "it is probable" or "evidence suggests" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "likely so" functions as an adverbial phrase used to express agreement or affirmation with a degree of probability. As seen in Ludwig, it's often used as a concise way to indicate that something is probable or expected.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "likely so" is a grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to express a reasoned assumption or expectation. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and common usage across diverse contexts. While primarily appearing in news and media, it also finds application in scientific and encyclopedic content. Although generally neutral, it tends toward informality due to its concise nature. For more formal writing, stronger alternatives might be preferable. Overall, "likely so" effectively conveys a degree of probability or agreement in various communicative scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

probably so

Replaces "likely" with "probably", offering a synonym that emphasizes a strong degree of possibility.

presumably so

Emphasizes an assumption based on reasonable evidence, suggesting something is likely without direct proof.

potentially so

Highlights the possibility of something occurring, focusing on potential rather than certainty.

very likely

Intensifies the likelihood, emphasizing a high probability.

quite likely

Indicates a considerable degree of probability.

in all likelihood

Expresses a high degree of certainty based on available evidence.

it seems likely

Introduces a degree of subjectivity, suggesting likelihood based on appearance or impression.

it would seem so

Emphasizes an inference based on available information, suggesting a probable conclusion.

as likely as not

Indicates an equal chance of something happening or not happening.

more than likely

Suggests a greater than even chance of something occurring.

FAQs

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

"Likely so" is generally used as a short affirmation or agreement. For instance, "Will the project be completed on time? Likely so."

What are some alternatives to "likely so"?

You can use alternatives like "probably so", "presumably so", or "potentially so" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "most likely so"?

Yes, "most "most likely" so" is a valid phrase that emphasizes a stronger degree of probability.

What's the difference between "likely so" and "it is likely that"?

"Likely so" is a more concise affirmation, while "it is "it is likely that"" introduces a more formal statement or explanation.