likely to be done

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "likely to be done" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a high probability that a certain action or task will be completed in the future. Example: "The project is likely to be done by the end of the week if we stay on schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is likely to be done late next year.

The Guardian

And with a second-class judiciary, justice is less likely to be done.

The Guardian

And any arbitration is likely to be done in secret with no real right of appeal.

The New York Times

Little is likely to be done before the next general election, due by June.

The Economist

"You are at the point where damage is likely to be done".

The New York Times

Such findings raise the stakes for the harm likely to be done by the pollution cocktails in China and elsewhere.

Yale University

In contrast, in more fraught situations where unethical behavior is likely to be done deliberately, formal sanctions are more suitable.

Harvard Business Review

Their bulk means that initial processing is likely to be done locally, which would bring industry to the countryside.

The Economist

That is likely to be done through the digital screens facing the back seats of the cabs.

The New York Times

Manufacturing supply chain: California's first offshore wind project or two are likely to be done with imported turbines and other parts.

University of California, Berkeley

Predicting the damage likely to be done to Israeli interests, the columnist Nahum Barnea was among many predicting a largely pointless battle.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "likely to be done", ensure the context clearly establishes who or what is performing the action. Clarity prevents ambiguity and strengthens the sentence.

Common error

While "likely to be done" is grammatically sound, overuse of the passive voice can make writing seem vague or indirect. Consider active voice alternatives when appropriate for more impactful communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "likely to be done" functions as a predictive expression, indicating a high probability or expectation that a certain action or task will be completed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression. It is used to express expectations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

20%

Science

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "likely to be done" is a frequently used phrase that accurately describes the probability of an action or event occurring. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread acceptance across various contexts, including news, academia, and science. The phrase serves as a neutral and informative way to express expectations about future outcomes. When writing, it’s important to ensure clarity regarding who or what is performing the action and to consider alternative active voice constructions for a more direct style. Its frequent appearance in authoritative sources such as The Guardian and The New York Times underscores its reliability and versatility in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expected to be completed

Focuses on the expectation of finishing a task.

probable to be finished

Emphasizes the probability of completion.

liable to occur

Highlights the potential for something to happen.

bound to happen

Suggests an inevitability of an event.

certain to take place

Indicates a high degree of certainty about an event's occurrence.

anticipated to be executed

Focuses on the expectation of something being carried out.

projected to be achieved

Emphasizes the forecast of reaching a certain goal.

foreseeable to transpire

Highlights the ability to see an event happening in the future.

slated to be implemented

Suggests a scheduled plan for something to be put into action.

poised to be realized

Implies that something is ready and about to become a reality.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "likely to be done" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "expected to be completed", "anticipated to be executed", or "projected to be achieved".

What does "likely to be done" mean?

The phrase "likely to be done" indicates a high probability that a certain action or task will be completed or occur in the future. It suggests a reasonable expectation based on current circumstances.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "likely to be done"?

While "likely to be done" is in the passive voice, it is grammatically correct. However, if you want to emphasize the actor, you can rephrase the sentence in the active voice, such as "It is likely that [actor] will do [action]".

What are some common synonyms for "likely to be done"?

Common synonyms include "probable to be finished", "liable to occur", "bound to happen", and "certain to take place", each carrying slightly different nuances in meaning.