likely to be true

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "likely to be true" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to express the probability or possibility of something being true. It can be used in a variety of contexts, such as discussing a hypothesis, making a prediction, or evaluating evidence. Example: "Based on the available data, it is likely that the new treatment will be effective in reducing symptoms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I do think something like that is likely to be true here.

The New Yorker

The same is very likely to be true for other essentials, like clothing.

The New York Times - Magazine

That is still likely to be true.

The New York Times

But is that likely to be true?

The Guardian

In fact, the opposite is more likely to be true.

The Guardian

Possibly because it's more likely to be true.

The Washington Post

This is likely to be true for most LMICs.

Nature

In many cases, the opposite is likely to be true.

The Washington Post

The same is likely to be true of ethics.

The Guardian - Tech

I think your alternative explanation that aging is responsible is more likely to be true.

Harvard University

The same is likely to be true of end-of-life issues.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, use "likely to be true" to express a degree of probability or possibility. This is particularly useful when discussing hypotheses, predictions, or evaluating evidence.

Common error

Avoid using "likely to be true" when stronger evidence suggests a higher degree of certainty. Consider using phrases like "is certainly true" or "is undoubtedly true" if the evidence warrants it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "likely to be true" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, expressing a degree of probability or possibility. As Ludwig AI says, the phrase follows standard grammar rules and it is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

25%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "likely to be true" is a versatile expression used to convey a probable but not definite truth. Grammatically correct and frequent across diverse sources like news, scientific journals, and academic papers, it serves to qualify assertions and acknowledge uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. When using "likely to be true", be mindful of the degree of probability you intend to express, and avoid overstating claims when stronger evidence exists. Semantically related alternatives include "probably true" and "plausibly true", which offer subtle variations in emphasis. By understanding its nuances, writers can effectively communicate the probability of a statement's truth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

probably true

Replaces 'likely to be' with the adverb 'probably', indicating a high degree of probability.

most likely true

Adds emphasis with 'most', suggesting it is the most probable among several possibilities.

very possibly true

Emphasizes the possibility with 'very', indicating a notable chance of truth.

credibly true

Indicates the statement is believable and can be taken as factual.

plausibly true

Suggests the statement is believable or has a reasonable basis in truth.

seems to be true

Highlights the appearance of truth based on current information.

potentially true

Indicates a possibility of being true, though not necessarily probable.

apparently true

Suggests truth based on available evidence or observation, but with room for doubt.

conceivably true

Indicates something could be true, even if it seems unlikely.

ostensibly true

Suggests the truth is apparent but might conceal a different reality.

FAQs

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

Use "likely to be true" to express a probable, but not certain, fact. For example, "Given the data, this hypothesis is "likely to be true"."

What's a more formal alternative to "likely to be true"?

Consider using phrases such as "probably true", "plausibly true", or "credibly true" in more formal contexts.

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

"Likely to be true" indicates a high probability but not a guarantee. "Certainly true" suggests there is no doubt about the veracity of the statement.

When should I avoid using "likely to be true"?

Avoid using "likely to be true" when you have definitive proof or evidence. In such cases, phrases like "is true" or "has been proven" are more appropriate.