likely to apply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "likely to apply" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing situations, rules, or conditions that are expected to be relevant or applicable in a given context. Example: "The new regulations are likely to apply to all businesses operating in the area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That was less likely to apply with Cook.

The Guardian - Sport

The same pragmatism is likely to apply to Morgan and Hales.

The Guardian - Sport

On the other hand, black teenagers are more likely to apply to university than white youngsters.

The Guardian

In England alone, young women are now 36% more likely to apply than young men.

The Guardian

The second phase - around a year later - is likely to apply to post-1975 adoptions.

The Guardian

But black candidates are more likely to apply to elite universities.

The Guardian

However, that yardstick was never likely to apply in the case of The Magnificent Seven.

The Guardian - Film

The three are likely to apply for a transfer to a British prison.

The Guardian - Business

"Low-income students are less likely to apply to selective colleges than their high-income peers.

The Washington Post

Mr Gore is likely to apply science-friendly instincts to all sorts of government challenges.

The Economist

On the other hand, female veterans may be more likely to apply for jobs in retailing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "likely to apply", ensure the subject and context clearly indicate what is being applied to what. Clarity is key for effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "likely to apply" when the situation is highly uncertain or speculative. Opt for phrases that express a lower degree of probability if the context warrants it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "likely to apply" functions as a verb phrase indicating a high probability or expectation that something will be relevant or applicable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and commonly used construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

33%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "likely to apply" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that indicates a high probability of relevance or applicability. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usefulness in expressing predictions or assessments. Its usage spans various contexts, including news, science, and academia, with a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, clarity and appropriate certainty are crucial for effective communication. Consider alternatives like "probably applicable" or "expected to hold true" to vary your writing, and avoid overstating the probability when uncertainty exists.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

probably applicable

Uses a more direct synonym, 'applicable', to convey the suitability.

prone to be applied

Replaces 'likely' with 'prone', suggesting a natural tendency toward application.

apt to be used

Substitutes 'likely' with 'apt', implying a fitting or appropriate application.

liable to be enforced

Replaces 'apply' with 'enforced', focusing on the enforcement aspect of a rule or regulation.

expected to hold true

Replaces "likely to apply" with an expectation of validity or truth.

anticipated to be relevant

Focuses on the relevance aspect, suggesting that something is expected to be pertinent.

potentially relevant

Focuses on the potential for relevance rather than a definite likelihood.

predisposed to implementation

Highlights the inclination towards putting something into effect.

inclined to be valid

Emphasizes the tendency towards being legitimate or acceptable.

conceivably put into practice

Replaces "apply" with a more elaborate phrase indicating the possibility of practical application.

FAQs

How can I use "likely to apply" in a sentence?

You can use "likely to apply" to indicate that a rule, concept, or principle is expected to be relevant in a specific situation. For example: "The new regulations are "likely to apply" to all businesses in the area."

What are some alternatives to saying "likely to apply"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "probably applicable", "expected to hold true", or "potentially relevant".

Is it correct to say "likely to be applied" instead of "likely to apply"?

While "likely to be applied" is grammatically correct, "likely to apply" is often more concise and direct. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey, but "likely to apply" is generally preferred for its simplicity.

What's the difference between "likely to apply" and "certain to apply"?

"Likely to apply" suggests a high probability but not a guarantee. "Certain to apply" indicates absolute certainty, meaning there is no doubt it will be relevant. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the level of certainty in your statement.