likely to be modified

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "likely to be modified" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing something that has a high probability of being changed or altered. For example: "The project guidelines are likely to be modified based on feedback." Alternative expressions include "expected to be changed" and "prone to modification."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Newer imaging tools such as the OCT-angiography, adaptive optics, and oximetry are likely to be modified for the use in pediatric retina, much like the evolution of the hand-held OCT now in vogue for infants in the clinic setting.

BioMed Research International

Privacy law in Europe is likely to be modified to reflect changing models of information collection and sharing.

Harvard Business Review

The details and exact order of the schedule below are likely to be modified as the program approaches.

Harvard University

As Chalabi's influence wanes, his push for wholesale de-Baathification of Iraq is likely to be modified.

The Washington Post

The measure, which closely follows recommendations from President Bush, now goes to the Senate, where some of its more restrictive provisions are likely to be modified.

The New York Times

That policy is currently under review and is likely to be modified this October, according to Lauren Patrich, an F.C.C. spokeswoman.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

The course will likely continue to be modified to keep up with the modern game.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For real modified sites, we use the Normal distribution to approximate the real distribution of tag numbers (9) To identify genomic sites that are most likely to actually be modified (i.e. real-modified sites), we use sites with large numbers of mapped unique tags.

Bioinformatics

Following in vivo administration microparticle surface characteristics are likely to be significantly modified as proteins are quickly adsorbed onto their surface.

Acta Biomaterialia

For instance, he said he recently learned that most white vinegar sold in supermarkets comes from corn and thus is likely to be genetically modified.

The New York Times

Corn has a high glycemic index and is more likely to be genetically modified while beans are one of America's superfoods.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical or scientific writing, ensure the agent performing the modification is clear from the context if the passive voice feels too vague.

Common error

Do not say "likely modified" when you mean "likely to be modified". The first indicates a past state of probability, while the latter correctly identifies a future possibility or potential for change.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "likely to be modified" functions as a predicative expression indicating probability using a passive infinitive. It is composed of the adjective "likely", which denotes a high chance of occurrence, followed by the passive voice "to be modified", shifting the focus from the person making the change to the object being changed. Ludwig AI confirms this structure is standard for projecting potential future outcomes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

73%

News & Media

20%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The expression "likely to be modified" is a robust and widely accepted phrase in English, particularly within Scientific and Journalistic discourse. Ludwig examples demonstrate its versatility in describing everything from software kill-switches and government policies to genetic predispositions and archaeological findings. Its primary value lies in its ability to express uncertainty and malleability without sounding vague. Whether you are drafting a research paper or a professional policy, this phrase allows you to state that while current conditions exist, they are not immutable. Alternatives like "subject to change" offer a more idiomatic flair, but "likely to be modified" remains the gold standard for formal, passive-voice probability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expected to be modified

increases the level of certainty regarding the change

likely to be changed

uses more general vocabulary instead of the specific term modified

likely to be revised

suggests a formal review process or textual update

subject to change

a standard idiomatic expression often found in schedules or legal terms

subject to modification

replaces the verb with a noun for a more formal or legal tone

likely to be adjusted

implies minor or fine-tuned changes rather than structural ones

likely to be updated

specifically refers to bringing information or software up to date

liable to be altered

carries a slightly more formal or technical connotation

prone to modification

suggests a natural tendency or vulnerability to being changed

likely to undergo changes

uses a different verbal structure to describe the process of changing

FAQs

How to use "likely to be modified" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe anything that might change, such as "The proposed schedule is "likely to be modified" before the final meeting."

What can I say instead of "likely to be modified"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "subject to change", "expected to be revised" or "likely to be updated".

Is "likely to be modified" too formal for an email?

It is professional and appropriate for business communication. If you want something more casual, try "might change".

What is the difference between "likely to be modified" and "likely to be adjusted"?

The phrase "likely to be adjusted" often implies smaller, corrective changes, whereas modification can refer to more significant alterations.