likely to matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "likely to matter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the potential significance or importance of something in a given context. Example: "The results of this study are likely to matter in shaping future policies on climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

None of that is likely to matter.

The New York Times

At the time, that hardly seemed likely to matter.

The Guardian - Sport

But is it likely to matter in November?

The New York Times

These attitudes are likely to matter for U.S. politics.

The Washington Post

What is likely to matter most is whom Mr. Kerry would nominate to the Supreme Court.

The New York Times

If they deviate left or right a few feet, it's not likely to matter.

The New Yorker

But that is not likely to matter much in the court of international opinion.

The New Yorker

Again, this is likely to matter more the closer countries are to the limits of technology.

The Economist

Under Mr Barnevik profitability is likely to matter more than in the past.

The Economist

That weakened DeLay but when he was at the height of his powers that wasn't thought likely to matter.

The Guardian - Opinion

Not that any of this is likely to matter once Germany move into the business end of this tournament.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "likely to matter", consider the degree of certainty you wish to convey. Modifiers like "highly", "somewhat", or "unlikely" can refine the meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "likely to matter" when the outcome is already determined or certain. Using stronger phrases like "will matter" or "is crucial" will improve clarity in such instances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "likely to matter" functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing a judgment about the probability and importance of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "likely to matter" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to convey a judgment about the probability and importance of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently found in news, science, and business contexts, indicating its broad applicability. When using this phrase, consider the nuance you wish to express by adding modifiers or opting for alternatives like "expected to be significant" or "probably important" to fine-tune your message. However, ensure you don't overstate the certainty of an outcome that is not yet determined.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expected to be significant

This alternative emphasizes anticipation of importance rather than likelihood.

probably important

This phrase uses an adverb to express probability and a direct adjective to describe importance.

poised to have an effect

This alternative suggests readiness and influence, shifting the focus to impact.

set to make a difference

This conveys a sense of determination and potential impact.

bound to be relevant

This implies a necessity for relevance, slightly stronger than just likelihood.

stands a good chance of being consequential

This expresses the probability of being consequential with detailed language.

has the potential to be pivotal

This highlights the latent capacity for being crucial or essential.

could prove to be significant

This alternative presents the possibility that significance might emerge over time.

is apt to be influential

This suggests a natural tendency toward exerting influence.

may well be critical

This indicates a possibility of being essential or decisive.

FAQs

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

You can use "likely to matter" to express that something has a good chance of being important or influential. For example, "The results of this study are "likely to matter" in shaping future policies."

What are some alternatives to "likely to matter"?

Alternatives include "expected to be significant", "probably important", or "poised to have an effect", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "likely to matter" or "liable to matter"?

"Likely to matter" and "liable to matter" can sometimes be used interchangeably, but "liable" often implies a negative consequence, while "likely" is more neutral. Choose the word that best fits the intended meaning.

In what contexts is "likely to matter" most appropriate?

"Likely to matter" is most appropriate when discussing potential impacts or significance in areas such as policy, research, or decision-making. It conveys a degree of probability without absolute certainty.