likely to play

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "likely to play" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a probability or expectation that someone or something will participate in an activity or event. Example: "The team is likely to play in the championship game if they win their next match."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

More cases like these are likely to play out.

The New York Times

Healthcare reform is likely to play out like the Superbowl.

Huffington Post

Scutaro seems likely to play.

The New York Times - Sports

How is that likely to play out?

The New Yorker

Iman Shumpert is likely to play.

The New York Times

How is the chancellor's announcement likely to play out?

The Guardian

Genetics, however, are also likely to play a role.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Not all the bands are likely to play.

The New York Times

Now, he seems likely to play for the United States.

The New York Times

But fishing is likely to play a big part.

The New York Times

I know what team they are likely to play.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "likely to play", ensure the context clearly indicates the event or activity in which participation is probable. Avoid ambiguity by specifying who or what is "likely" and what they are "likely to play" in that situation.

Common error

Avoid using "likely to play" when the situation is highly uncertain or speculative. Opt for more cautious phrases like "might play" or "could play" to reflect the true level of uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

"Likely to play" functions as a verb phrase indicating a high probability of participation or involvement in a particular activity or event. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature. The phrase modifies a noun or pronoun, expressing a predictive aspect.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "likely to play" is a grammatically correct and widely used verb phrase indicating a high probability of participation or involvement in an activity. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various contexts, predominantly in news, media, and scientific domains. While versatile, it's crucial to avoid overstating certainty and to specify the subject and activity clearly. Consider alternatives like "expected to participate" or "anticipated to take part" for nuanced expression, especially in formal settings. Using "likely to play" appropriately ensures clarity and credibility in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expected to participate

Replaces "likely" with "expected", emphasizing anticipation rather than probability.

anticipated to take part

Substitutes both "likely" and "play" with more formal synonyms, suitable for professional contexts.

projected to be involved

Uses "projected" to highlight forecasts or estimations, changing the nuance slightly.

probable to engage

Employs "probable" to stress the likelihood of action, with "engage" as a more formal alternative to "play".

set to participate

Indicates a scheduled or planned involvement, adding a sense of certainty.

bound to be a factor

Focuses on influence or impact rather than direct participation.

poised to contribute

Suggests readiness and potential for significant input, implying a positive role.

inclined to perform

Highlights willingness or tendency towards action, shifting the emphasis to disposition.

predisposed to participate

Focuses on inherent tendencies or vulnerabilities rather than active choice.

may well participate

Expresses possibility rather than strong likelihood, softening the assertion.

FAQs

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

Use "likely to play" to indicate a strong possibility of someone or something participating in an event or activity. For example, "The new strategy is "likely to play" a significant role in the company's growth".

What's the difference between "likely to play" and "expected to play"?

"Likely to play" suggests a probability based on current circumstances, while "expected to play" implies a higher degree of certainty, often based on plans or commitments. "The star player is "likely to play", given his recent recovery," versus "The coach said the star player is "expected to play" in the final game".

What are some alternatives to "likely to play" in formal writing?

In formal contexts, consider alternatives such as "anticipated to participate", "projected to be involved", or "probable to engage". These options offer a more professional tone than "likely to play".

Is it correct to use "likely to play" when discussing potential future events?

Yes, "likely to play" is appropriate for discussing potential future events where participation is probable but not guaranteed. It conveys a reasonable expectation without overstating the certainty.