likely to use

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "likely to use" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a probability or tendency for someone or something to utilize a particular item or method. Example: "The new software is likely to use advanced algorithms for data processing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are less likely to use contraceptives.

The Economist

You are likely to use every drop.

The New York Times - Food

Fifty percent more likely to use cocaine.

The New York Times - Magazine

One hundred and four percent more likely to use amphetamines.

The New York Times - Magazine

Ernesto is not likely to use that on them.

The New York Times - Sports

Wealthy, stressed urbanites are especially likely to use them.

Stanford University

She's likely to use these skills for her own line.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

These were the people likely to use the new centre.

The Guardian

Other agencies are likely to use similar numbers.

The New York Times

I'm more likely to use Clearasil than anti-wrinkle cream.

The Washington Post

African-Americans were especially likely to use same-day registration.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure the context clearly indicates the basis for the likelihood. Providing supporting evidence or reasoning strengthens the statement's credibility. For example, instead of saying 'They are "likely to use" the new software', say 'They are "likely to use" the new software, given its user-friendly interface and compatibility with existing systems'.

Common error

Avoid using "likely to use" when the probability is uncertain or based on weak assumptions. Overstating likelihood can mislead readers and weaken your argument. Instead, qualify the statement with terms like 'potentially', 'possibly', or 'may' if the likelihood is not firmly established.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "likely to use" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, expressing a high probability or expectation of a particular action or behavior. Ludwig confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "likely to use" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression, signifying a strong probability or expectation of utilizing something. According to Ludwig, its adaptability spans across numerous domains, from news and media to scientific research. The linguistic analysis reveals its function as an adjective phrase used for prediction and suggestion, with a neutral to formal register. While "likely to use" is generally correct, avoid overstating the likelihood without adequate justification. Alternatives such as "prone to utilize" and "inclined to employ" can add nuance depending on the context. In summary, "likely to use" is a versatile and reliable phrase, provided it is employed judiciously with supporting evidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prone to utilize

Changes 'likely' to 'prone', suggesting a natural tendency or susceptibility, and 'use' to 'utilize', which is more formal.

inclined to employ

Replaces 'likely' with 'inclined', indicating a disposition or preference, and 'use' with 'employ', which often implies a more deliberate or strategic application.

apt to apply

Substitutes 'likely' with 'apt', denoting a natural or inherent tendency, and 'use' with 'apply', suggesting a more specific or focused action.

disposed to adopt

Changes 'likely' to 'disposed', highlighting a pre-existing inclination, and 'use' to 'adopt', suggesting a conscious choice to take up something new.

tend to implement

Replaces 'likely' with 'tend', indicating a habitual or common behavior, and 'use' with 'implement', implying a planned or systematic execution.

predicted to utilize

Changes 'likely' to 'predicted', suggesting a forecast or expectation, and 'use' to 'utilize', which is more formal.

expected to employ

Replaces 'likely' with 'expected', indicating an anticipation or belief, and 'use' with 'employ', which often implies a more deliberate or strategic application.

anticipated to apply

Substitutes 'likely' with 'anticipated', denoting a foreseen or expected action, and 'use' with 'apply', suggesting a more specific or focused action.

presumed to adopt

Changes 'likely' to 'presumed', highlighting an assumption or supposition, and 'use' to 'adopt', suggesting a conscious choice to take up something new.

assumed to implement

Replaces 'likely' with 'assumed', indicating a taken-for-granted or supposed behavior, and 'use' with 'implement', implying a planned or systematic execution.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "likely to use" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "prone to utilize", "inclined to employ", or "predicted to utilize", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "likely to use" and "going to use"?

"Likely to use" implies a probability or expectation, while "going to use" suggests a definite plan or intention. "Likely to use" indicates a higher chance but doesn't guarantee the action, whereas "going to use" expresses a firm commitment.

Is it correct to say "more likely to using" instead of "more likely to use"?

No, "more likely to using" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "more likely to use". The infinitive form of the verb (to + base form) should always be used after "likely to".

When should I use "likely to use" versus "unlikely to use"?

Use "likely to use" when you want to express a higher probability of someone or something utilizing something. Use "unlikely to use" when you want to express a lower probability or doubt about the same.