likely true

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "likely true" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, you could write, "The documented evidence suggests that this statement is likely true." Here, the phrase "likely true" is used to suggest that the evidence points to something being likely to be true.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

this is likely true of an insurance-like derivative known as the credit default swap (CDS).

Duke University

That seemed likely true.

The New Yorker

That is likely true.

The New York Times

In reality, the reverse is likely true.

The New York Times

This is very likely true.

The Guardian

The same is likely true for the National Cathedral.

The New Yorker

This is likely true in the long run.

The Washington Post

That is likely true of elementary school teachers, who usually have only those students.

The Washington Post

It reportedly contains the lyric "Been so high, I touched the sky," which is likely true.

The New Yorker

That, of course, is what the Indian government claims; it is also quite likely true.

The New York Times

(The stories are likely true; Dostoevsky drew them from newspapers and court records).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about complex or sensitive topics, "likely true" can be a good way to acknowledge uncertainty or acknowledge information is subject to change or modification.

Common error

Avoid using "likely true" when the evidence is overwhelmingly in favor of something being true; opt for stronger assertions like "certainly true" or "undoubtedly true" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "likely true" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or statement to express a degree of probability or possibility. As Ludwig AI indicates, its grammatical structure is considered correct and usable in written English. The examples show it qualifies statements, claims, and assumptions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

34%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "likely true" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something is probably correct or factual. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical status and provides numerous examples demonstrating its usage across diverse fields like news, science, and academia. While it's a versatile phrase, it's important to consider the level of certainty you want to convey and choose stronger assertions when the evidence overwhelmingly supports a statement. Consider alternatives like "probably correct" or "most likely accurate" to fine-tune your message. By mastering the nuances of "likely true", you can communicate more effectively and precisely in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most likely accurate

Emphasizes a very high probability of being correct, suggesting strong evidence supports it.

verifiably right

Suggests the possibility of proving something correct through evidence or confirmation.

probably correct

Suggests a high degree of certainty, implying that something is almost certainly accurate.

seemingly truthful

Suggests that something gives the impression of being honest and accurate.

credibly factual

Indicates that something is presented in a way that inspires trust and confidence in its accuracy.

apparently verifiable

Indicates that something can be checked or confirmed, suggesting a degree of truthfulness.

believably accurate

Implies that something is easy to accept as correct due to its credibility.

plausibly factual

Indicates that something is believable and aligns with known facts, though not definitively proven.

ostensibly valid

Implies that something appears to be valid on the surface, but further scrutiny may be needed.

conceivably right

Suggests a possibility of being correct, though it may not be the most obvious or expected outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "likely true" in a sentence?

You can use "likely true" to express that something is probably correct, but not definitively proven. For example, "Given the evidence, the claim is "likely true"."

What's the difference between "likely true" and "certainly true"?

"Likely true" suggests a high probability based on available information, while "certainly true" indicates complete confidence and lack of doubt. Use "likely true" when there's room for uncertainty, and "certainly true" when the evidence is conclusive.

Are there synonyms for "likely true" that convey a similar meaning?

Yes, alternatives include "probably correct", "most likely accurate", or "plausibly factual" depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it appropriate to use "likely true" in formal writing?

Yes, "likely true" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when acknowledging a degree of uncertainty or indicating that a statement is based on the best available evidence without absolute proof. However, assess your audience and consider alternatives based on context.