likely to succeed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "likely to succeed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the probability or chances of a particular outcome being successful. Example: "With the new marketing strategy in place, the campaign is likely to succeed in reaching a wider audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He looks likely to succeed.

The Economist

He is likely to succeed in that.

The Economist

Was it likely to succeed?

Princeton University

Its most likely to succeed?

The Guardian - Books

Only 76 were considered likely to succeed.

The Guardian

Most likely to succeed: Sarah Palin.

The Guardian - Opinion

But they are not likely to succeed.

The New York Times

The compilation looks likely to succeed.

The Guardian - Music

He was voted "Most Likely to Succeed".

The New York Times

Potential suicides are more likely to succeed.

The Washington Post

The campaign is not likely to succeed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "likely to succeed" to objectively assess the potential outcomes of different options. For instance, when comparing different approaches to a project, evaluate which is most "likely to succeed" based on available data and expertise.

Common error

Avoid using "likely to succeed" when the outcome is highly uncertain or speculative. Instead, acknowledge the risks and use language that reflects a more balanced assessment, such as "may succeed" or "has the potential to succeed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "likely to succeed" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating a high probability or potential for achieving a desired outcome. Examples from Ludwig showcase its usage across various contexts, confirming its role in assessing the likelihood of success in different situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Wiki

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "likely to succeed" is a versatile phrase used to express a strong probability of success across various domains. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in diverse sources such as News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication. When writing, remember to use "likely to succeed" to project confidence and positive expectations, but avoid overstating certainty. Consider alternatives such as "bound to prosper" or "with a good chance of success" to add nuance. Understanding its usage patterns and common errors will ensure clarity and effectiveness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with a good chance of success

States the probability of a successful outcome directly, emphasizing the likelihood of a positive result.

virtually certain to succeed

Highlights the near-absolute certainty of a positive outcome, stressing the high degree of confidence in success.

on track for success

Indicates that current progress aligns with achieving a successful result, emphasizing ongoing momentum.

bound to prosper

Suggests an inevitable positive outcome, highlighting the certainty of success.

set to thrive

Emphasizes the favorable conditions and potential for robust growth and development.

apt to flourish

Focuses on the inherent tendency or suitability to thrive and develop successfully. Emphasis on inherent qualities.

destined for success

Implies a predetermined positive outcome, emphasizing fate or inevitability.

promising to excel

Focuses on the potential for outstanding performance, stressing the favorable outlook for superior achievement.

slated to win

Suggests that a victory is anticipated or scheduled, focusing on the expectation of a successful outcome.

poised for triumph

Highlights the readiness and anticipation of a successful outcome, suggesting a moment of victory is near.

FAQs

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

You can use "likely to succeed" to describe something with a high probability of achieving its goal. For example: "With the new marketing strategy in place, the campaign is "likely to succeed" in reaching a wider audience."

What are some alternatives to "likely to succeed"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "apt to flourish", "bound to prosper", or "with a good chance of success".

Which is correct, "likely to succeed" or "likely succeeding"?

"Likely to succeed" is the correct and more common form. "Likely succeeding" could be used in a different grammatical construction, but it's less frequent and may sound awkward in most contexts. Stick to "likely to succeed" for clarity.

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

"Likely to succeed" implies a higher degree of probability based on current circumstances, while "expected to succeed" suggests an anticipation or prediction, often based on past performance or external factors. "Likely" focuses more on inherent potential, while "expected" emphasizes anticipation.