likely solution

USAGE SUMMARY

"likely solution" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are discussing something and are hoping to provide a workable solution or strategy. For example, "Putting a plant in each classroom may be a likely solution to improve air quality in the school."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

For that answer we went back to Intel CTO Justin Rattner, It may sound like fighting fire with fire, but the most likely solution is more technology.

Huffington Post

That seems to me the most likely solution.

The New York Times

The thinktank concludes that a negotiated solution remains the most likely solution.

The Guardian

One likely solution is to eliminate or delay some new school projects.

The New York Times

The simplest solution to a phenomenon is the most likely solution, and in this case, it's the farmers hands down.

The New York Times

Reflecting on the match Broad outlined the problem clearly enough but was less forthcoming about the likely solution.

The Guardian - Sport

But since the likely solution involves greater political and fiscal integration, it could become harder to join later.

The Economist

Slow growth and high unemployment indicate a problem, the most likely solution to which is looser monetary policy.

The Economist

"It is hard to predict but I think the most likely solution would be to implicate a mid-ranking official, because Italy cannot accept no incrimination".

The Guardian

An incoming government might be able to face down those vested interests because a "technocratic" government – the most likely solution at time of writing – will be apolitical.

The Guardian

The most likely solution for the next America's Cup continues to be a court-mandated race in catamarans between Alinghi and BMW Oracle in the fall of 2008.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting a "likely solution", provide supporting evidence or reasoning to strengthen its credibility. This helps the audience understand why it is considered the most probable or effective approach.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "likely solution" as a guaranteed outcome. Even if it seems highly probable, acknowledge that unforeseen circumstances could alter the result.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "likely solution" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a potential resolution to a problem that is considered to be the most probable or expected outcome. Ludwig AI confirms this is acceptable in written english.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "likely solution" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote the most probable resolution to a problem. According to Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English. It appears frequently in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. While the phrase is neutral in tone, it's important to avoid overstating certainty when presenting it. Alternatives such as "probable solution", "potential solution", and "most promising solution" can be used to add nuance. With its widespread usage and clear meaning, "likely solution" is a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

probable solution

Replaces "likely" with "probable", indicating a high chance of being the correct solution.

expected solution

Substitutes "likely" with "expected", focusing on the anticipation of the solution.

plausible solution

Replaces "likely" with "plausible", implying the solution is believable and reasonable.

realistic solution

Replaces "likely" with "realistic", emphasizing the solution's grounded and achievable nature.

most promising solution

Emphasizes the solution's potential success by using "most promising".

viable solution

Replaces "likely" with "viable", suggesting the solution is practical and workable.

feasible solution

Substitutes "likely" with "feasible", indicating the solution is achievable and realistic.

workable solution

Uses "workable" instead of "likely", highlighting the solution's practicality.

possible solution

Substitutes "likely" with "possible", suggesting the solution is achievable but not necessarily the most expected.

potential solution

Uses "potential" instead of "likely", highlighting the solution's capacity to resolve the problem.

FAQs

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

The phrase "likely solution" is used to describe a resolution to a problem that is considered probable or expected. For example, "The "likely solution" to the budget shortfall is to reduce spending."

What are some alternatives to saying "likely solution"?

You can use alternatives such as "probable solution", "potential solution", or "most promising solution" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the most likely solution"?

Yes, it is correct. "The most "likely solution"" emphasizes that the described solution is considered the most probable among other options.

What's the difference between "likely solution" and "ideal solution"?

"Likely solution" refers to a solution that is probable or expected, while "ideal solution" refers to the best possible solution, which may not always be achievable or realistic.