likely to shape

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "likely to shape" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the potential influence or impact of something on a particular outcome or situation. Example: "The new policies are likely to shape the future of education in our country."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lizza and Cassidy also discuss campaign finance, how Republicans are addressing social issues like abortion, and how the midterms are likely to shape the 2016 Presidential election.

The New Yorker

The issue most likely to shape the presidential contest here, though, is the environment.

The New York Times

But whatever they do to tippling, they are likely to shape Britain's £37 billion drinks industry.

The Economist

Fox Sports 1 is likely to shape up as ESPN's most formidable head-to-head rival.

The New York Times - Sports

The election outcome in Scotland remains the single factor most likely to shape the composition of the next government.

The Guardian

This is a lot of money and the decisions are likely to shape the research landscape for the foreseeable future.

The Guardian

As such the alliances and partnerships struck now are likely to shape the industry over the next five years.

The New York Times - Tech

For their part, stroller manufacturers should keep in mind how much their products are likely to shape children's development.

The New York Times

That, too, is likely to shape their decision about whether to take the case to a jury again.

The New York Times

How are the Iowa results likely to shape the primary season for both the winner(s) and the also-rans?

The New York Times

Mayoral politics, for example, are likely to shape a great deal that happens in our civic life.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "likely to shape" to express a strong possibility that something will significantly influence an outcome. Ensure the subject influencing and the object being shaped are clearly defined for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "likely to shape" when the influence is speculative or weak. Opt for phrases that indicate possibility rather than probability if the evidence is not substantial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "likely to shape" functions as a qualifying adjective phrase that modifies a noun or noun phrase. It indicates the potential for something to significantly influence or determine the form or development of something else. Ludwig AI confirms this by providing numerous examples demonstrating its role in expressing probable influence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "likely to shape" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a strong probability of influence, confirmed as correct and usable by Ludwig AI. It frequently appears in contexts such as news and media, science, and business. When using the phrase, clarity is key; ensure that both the influencing and influenced elements are clearly defined. It's best practice to avoid overstating the certainty of the impact, and to consider alternative phrases such as "expected to influence" or "probable to affect" when a less definitive tone is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expected to influence

Emphasizes anticipation and prediction of impact; more direct.

probable to affect

Highlights the probability of an effect; less emphasis on active shaping.

liable to mold

Focuses on the potential for forming something new.

set to determine

Suggests a decisive influence on a future outcome.

poised to impact

Implies readiness and significant effect.

predicted to form

Similar to "expected to influence" but with more focus on the outcome.

inclined to mold

Expresses a tendency toward influencing the shape or outcome.

apt to govern

Indicates a natural or inherent tendency to control or direct.

subject to dictate

Suggests being controlled or strongly influenced by something.

susceptible to directing

Implies vulnerability or openness to influence.

FAQs

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

Use "likely to shape" to indicate that something is highly probable to influence the outcome or development of something else. For example, "These policies are "likely to shape" the future of the industry."

What are some alternatives to "likely to shape"?

Alternatives include "expected to influence", "probable to affect", or "set to determine", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "likely to shape" or "will shape"?

"Likely to shape" suggests a high probability but not absolute certainty, while "will shape" indicates a definite outcome. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the degree of certainty you want to convey.

How does "likely to shape" differ from "potentially influence"?

"Likely to shape" indicates a strong probability and significant impact, whereas "potentially influence" suggests a possibility of influence, which may be less substantial or certain.