likely to question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "likely to question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the probability of someone questioning or challenging something. Example: "The findings of the study are likely to question the established theories in the field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is likely to question former government ministers.

The Guardian

At the same time, not acting risks emboldening insurgents likely to question American resolve.

The New York Times

If Bush judges are likely to question the scope of federal power, Gore judges are not.

The New York Times - Magazine

No one watching Mr. Ralph at work is likely to question his devotion.

The New York Times - Food

That way, he said, the bank is less likely to question them.

The New York Times

The agency is less likely to question unreported income, take taxpayers to court or seize their property.

The New York Times

Labour is likely to question whether companies should be getting even lower tax, when welfare is being slashed even further.

The Guardian

Specifically, investors were likely to question the timing of the disclosures so soon before the stock offering, analysts said.

The New York Times

The defense is likely to question why the woman returned to the suite before reporting the episode to her supervisor.

The New York Times

Talk to most economists, though, and they are likely to question the rationale of having a tax deduction at all.

The New York Times

After about a year of weekly sessions, the patient was less concerned about and convinced by his delusion and more likely to question his beliefs.

Journal de Thérapie Comportementale et Cognitive

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "likely to question", ensure the context clearly identifies who is doing the questioning and what they are questioning. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid overstating certainty. "Likely to question" indicates a probability, not a guarantee. Use stronger phrasing if certainty is intended or weaker phrasing if the probability is lower.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "likely to question" functions as a modal adjunct expressing a degree of probability regarding an action. It modifies a verb, indicating the likelihood of someone posing a question or challenging a statement. Ludwig examples confirm its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

28%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "likely to question" is a versatile phrase used to express the probability of someone raising doubts or inquiries. Grammatically sound and widely accepted, it appears frequently in news, science, and academic sources. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is typically used to anticipate scrutiny or challenge. When writing, remember to contextualize the phrase clearly to avoid ambiguity and carefully consider the intended level of certainty. Alternatives such as "inclined to doubt" or "prone to challenge" can be used to subtly shift the emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inclined to doubt

Focuses on the inclination to disbelieve or lack confidence in something.

prone to challenge

Highlights the tendency to dispute or contest a statement or idea.

apt to inquire

Emphasizes the likelihood of asking questions to seek information or clarification.

expected to challenge

Conveys an anticipation that something will be disputed or questioned.

disposed to dispute

Indicates a readiness or willingness to argue against or question something.

liable to probe

Suggests a tendency to investigate or examine something closely.

predisposed to scrutinize

Implies a prior inclination to examine something critically and carefully.

potentially dubious

Shifts the focus to the quality that could make anything questionable.

possibly interrogate

Indicates a chance of formally questioning someone.

conceivably challenge

Suggests that under certain circumstances, something might be disputed.

FAQs

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

Use "likely to question" to express that someone or something will probably challenge or doubt a statement or idea. For example: "Experts are "likely to question" the methodology used in the study."

What are some alternatives to "likely to question"?

Alternatives include "inclined to doubt", "prone to challenge", or "apt to inquire". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "likely to question" or "will question"?

"Likely to question" suggests a probability, while "will question" implies a higher degree of certainty. Use "likely to question" when the action is probable but not guaranteed.

What's the difference between "likely to question" and "able to question"?

"Likely to question" means that someone will probably ask questions. "Able to question" means that someone has the ability or right to question. Context determines which is most appropriate.