likely to have

USAGE SUMMARY

"likely to have" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a probability or to express a future expectation. For example: "The result is likely to have a major impact on the economy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"They're likely to have abscesses".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Theirs is likely to have 833.

The New York Times - Sports

It's likely to have similar results.

The New Yorker

That's likely to have risen.

The Guardian

Least likely to: Have a #1 Record.

The Guardian - Music

Most likely to: Have an Imperial phase.

The Guardian - Music

Least likely to: Have a mare.

The Guardian - Music

Am I likely to have been affected?

The Guardian - Tech

"This is likely to have negative results".

The New York Times

Most likely to: Have catholic tastes.

The Guardian - Music

Least likely to: Have xx chromosomes.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "likely to have" when you want to express a reasonable expectation or probability based on available information or evidence.

Common error

While "likely to have" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise alternatives like "predicted to include" or "expected to contain" to enhance clarity and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "likely to have" functions as an epistemic modal, expressing a degree of probability or expectation regarding a future event or condition. Ludwig shows it’s used to suggest something is probable but not certain. It modifies a verb phrase, indicating the speaker's assessment of the likelihood of that action or state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "likely to have" is a versatile phrase used to express probability or expectation. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and widely used in both news and scientific contexts. While "likely to have" is generally acceptable, consider more precise alternatives in formal settings. The phrase functions as an epistemic modal, serving to make predictions or express expectations with a degree of uncertainty. It’s important to be mindful of the context and audience when choosing between "likely to have" and its many alternatives to ensure clarity and appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expected to include

Uses "expected" instead of "likely", indicating an anticipation based on past experience or knowledge.

apt to contain

Substitutes "likely" with "apt", implying a natural or inherent tendency.

anticipated to show

Uses "anticipated" instead of "likely", suggesting an expectation based on current conditions.

prone to possess

Replaces "likely" with "prone", suggesting a tendency or inclination rather than a probability.

tend to hold

Substitutes "likely" with "tend to", implying a habitual or frequent occurrence.

predicted to consist of

Replaces "likely" with "predicted", suggesting a forecast or projection.

inclined to present

Uses "inclined" instead of "likely", implying a predisposition or leaning.

presumed to encompass

Replaces "likely" with "presumed", indicating an assumption based on available evidence.

set to feature

Replaces "likely" with "set to", indicating a planned or scheduled inclusion.

poised to offer

Substitutes "likely" with "poised to", suggesting readiness or imminence.

FAQs

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

You can use "likely to have" to express a probability or expectation, such as: "The new policy is "likely to have" a significant impact on the economy."

What are some alternatives to "likely to have"?

Alternatives include phrases like "prone to possess", "apt to contain", or "expected to include", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "likely to have" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, in very formal contexts, consider more precise alternatives such as "predicted to consist of" or "anticipated to show" to add sophistication.

What's the difference between "likely to have" and "certain to have"?

"Likely to have" indicates a probability or expectation, while "certain to have" suggests a guaranteed outcome. "Likely" implies a degree of uncertainty, whereas "certain" indicates no doubt.