likely to change

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "likely to change" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has a high probability of undergoing a modification or alteration in the future. Example: "The project timeline is likely to change due to unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

This seems likely to change.

The Economist

That's likely to change gradually.

The New York Times

That is likely to change.

The New York Times

This is likely to change.

The Economist

Is that likely to change?

The New York Times

But that is likely to change.

The New York Times

But this is likely to change.

The Economist

Such habits are now likely to change.

The Economist

Is the BBC likely to change policy?

Independent

This now looks likely to change.

The Economist

But nothing is likely to change, dadgummit.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "likely to change", consider specifying the reason for the potential change to provide more context and clarity. For example, "The project timeline is likely to change due to unforeseen circumstances".

Common error

Avoid using "likely to change" when you mean a guaranteed change. "Likely" implies a probability, not a certainty. If a change is confirmed, use phrases like "will change" or "is going to change" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "likely to change" functions as an adjective phrase followed by an infinitive, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a probability of future alteration. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, signaling potential shifts in policies, trends, or conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "likely to change" is a versatile phrase used to express a probability of future modification. Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. It's important to use this phrase when indicating a possibility, rather than a certainty, and to provide context for the potential change. Alternatives like "prone to change" or "subject to modification" can be used for semantic variation. When writing, consider specifying reasons for the change to increase the clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subject to modification

Emphasizes the possibility of alterations, focusing on the act of modifying.

liable to alteration

Highlights the potential for something to be altered, suggesting a degree of inevitability.

prone to transformation

Suggests an inherent tendency towards transformation.

apt to vary

Focuses on the potential for variation or deviation from a current state.

with a chance of evolving

Highlights the gradual development and change over time.

may be revised

Indicates a formal process of review and potential alteration.

open to adjustment

Emphasizes flexibility and willingness to adapt.

in line for a shift

Suggests that something is next in a queue to change. It is more informal.

has the potential to transform

Highlights the inherent capability for transformation, focusing on inherent potential.

could be different

It is a more general and less assertive way of indicating that change is possible.

FAQs

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

You can use "likely to change" to indicate a high probability of something undergoing modification. For example: "The company's policy is "subject to change"", meaning it is likely to be altered in the future.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "likely to change"?

Alternatives include phrases like "prone to change", "subject to modification", or "liable to alteration", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "likely to change" or "will change"?

Use "likely to change" when there's a high probability but not a certainty. Use "will change" when the change is confirmed or guaranteed. The difference lies in the degree of certainty.

What does "likely to change over time" mean?

"Likely to change over time" indicates that something is expected to evolve or be modified as time passes. This suggests a gradual process of transformation. For example: "Consumer preferences are "apt to vary" over time".