likely to conceive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "likely to conceive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the probability of becoming pregnant or generating an idea or plan. Example: "The couple is likely to conceive if they continue trying for a baby."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Women who are being abused on an ongoing basis are particularly likely to conceive in rape.

The New Yorker

Her mother had purchased ovulation-testing equipment to work out when her daughter was most likely to conceive.

The Guardian

Couples who struggle to have a baby may be more likely to conceive if the man takes antioxidants, scientists say.

The Guardian

In summer, however, plants flourish in a food bonanza that ensures healthy females more likely to conceive in autumn.

The Guardian

The women taking the vitamins were not only more likely to conceive, but also more likely to have twins.

The New York Times - Health

What this means is that good-looking men are even more likely to conceive children than was previously believed.

The Economist

This evolutionary theory suggests that "choosiness" increases during the fertile window because the costs and benefits of mate selection are highest when women are likely to conceive.

Psychoneuroendocrinology

The warning follows a study that found that women who had acupuncture immediately before and after having an embryo transplanted were less likely to conceive than other women.

The Guardian

Even where ceremonialism emphasizes an enduring moral relationship to certain supernaturals, people are likely to conceive of alternative powers whom they might seek in times of need.

Britannica

And to suggest further that women who have C-sections are less likely to conceive in the future is based on a scant knowledge of anatomy.

The New York Times

Cox's proportional hazards model revealed that cows in the vaccine group were 1.22 times more likely to conceive during the first 150 days in milk than cows in the control group.

Vaccine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing fertility, use "likely to conceive" to clearly and sensitively convey the probability of pregnancy without causing undue alarm or false hope.

Common error

Avoid presenting "likely to conceive" as a guarantee. It indicates probability, not a certainty, so using qualifiers like "may" or "potentially" can provide a more accurate and balanced representation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "likely to conceive" primarily functions as an adjective phrase describing the probability or potential for pregnancy. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used to denote a higher chance of becoming pregnant.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "likely to conceive" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to describe a high probability of pregnancy. According to Ludwig AI, it's suitable across various contexts, including news, scientific research, and academic discussions. While there are alternative phrases like "prone to conception" or simply "fertile", "likely to conceive" maintains a balance of clarity and sensitivity. When using it, avoid presenting it as a guarantee, and consider the specific context to choose the most appropriate wording.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with a high chance of conceiving

Directly states the high probability of pregnancy occurring.

have a good chance of conceiving

Expresses a positive outlook on the likelihood of conception.

prone to conception

Emphasizes a natural inclination or predisposition towards becoming pregnant.

apt to get pregnant

Similar to "likely", suggesting a natural tendency.

susceptible to pregnancy

Highlights vulnerability or openness to the possibility of conceiving.

in a fertile state

Focuses on the condition or state conducive to conception.

fertile

A more concise term indicating the capacity to reproduce.

reproductively viable

A more scientific term indicating the potential for successful reproduction.

at a high risk of pregnancy

Highlights the potential outcome of unprotected sexual activity.

easily impregnated

Emphasizes the ease or quickness with which conception might occur.

FAQs

How is "likely to conceive" used in a sentence?

The phrase "likely to conceive" is used to describe a high probability of pregnancy, as in, "Women in their early twenties are "more likely to conceive" than women in their forties."

What are some alternatives to "likely to conceive"?

Some alternatives include "prone to conception", "fertile", or "high chance of conceiving", depending on the desired nuance.

Is it appropriate to use "likely to conceive" in formal writing?

Yes, "likely to conceive" is suitable for formal writing, especially in medical or scientific contexts. However, in less formal settings, simpler terms like "fertile" may be preferred.

What factors influence whether someone is "likely to conceive"?

Many factors influence the likelihood of conception, including age, overall health, genetics, lifestyle, and the timing of intercourse in relation to the menstrual cycle. A doctor can provide personalized advice.