likely to be

USAGE SUMMARY

"likely to be" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to indicate something that is probable or expected to happen in the future. Example: The new policy is likely to be implemented next month. In this example, "likely to be" is used to show that there is a high possibility that the new policy will be implemented in the future.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"There's likely to be clawbacks".

The New York Times

Least likely to: Be catty.

The Guardian - Music

How likely to be PM?

Independent

It is likely to be West.

The New York Times

The decision is likely to be appealed.

The New York Times

Energy is likely to be high.

The New York Times - Arts

It is also likely to be costly.

The New York Times

The outcome is likely to be messy.

The Economist

The atmosphere is likely to be chilly.

The Economist

The contest is likely to be bruising.

The Economist

Such optimism is likely to be misplaced.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "likely to be" when expressing a reasonable expectation or probability based on current evidence or understanding. Avoid using it when certainty is required.

Common error

While versatile, excessive use of "likely to be" can make writing seem less confident. Vary your language with alternatives like "expected", "anticipated", or stronger verbs to convey certainty when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "likely to be" functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing probability or expectation. It modifies a verb, indicating the likelihood of an action or state occurring. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

17%

Science & Research

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "likely to be" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to express probability or expectation, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically correct and sees very common usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media, formal business, and scientific research. While there are alternative phrases such as "expected to be" or "anticipated to be", "likely to be" maintains a neutral tone suitable for a wide range of writing styles. Remember to use "likely to be" when expressing a reasonable expectation and avoid overusing it in formal writing to maintain a confident and varied writing style. As such, it's important to avoid using it when certainty is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expected to be

Changes from expressing probability to direct expectation.

predicted to be

Shifts the focus to a forecast or prediction about the future.

anticipated to be

Implies a waiting or preparation for something expected.

bound to be

Suggests inevitability or certainty about an outcome.

poised to be

Indicates readiness or a high probability of a specific state.

set to be

Emphasizes a planned or arranged future event.

inclined to be

Suggests a tendency or predisposition towards a certain state.

prone to be

Highlights a susceptibility or vulnerability towards something.

liable to be

Implies a legal or formal responsibility for something.

apt to be

Conveys a natural or inherent tendency toward a condition.

FAQs

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

Use "likely to be" to express a reasonable expectation about a future event. For example, "The project is "likely to be" completed on time."

What are some alternatives to "likely to be"?

Alternatives include "expected to be", "anticipated to be", or "bound to be". The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "likely to be"?

Yes, "likely to be" is grammatically correct and widely used in both formal and informal contexts.

What's the difference between "likely to be" and "will be"?

"Likely to be" indicates a probability, while "will be" expresses a higher degree of certainty. Use "likely to be" when you can't predict something with complete confidence.