likely was

USAGE SUMMARY

"likely was" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when expressing a probability or assumption about a past event. Example: "The outcome likely was influenced by external factors." Alternative expressions include "probably was" and "possibly was."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But like many revolutionaries, Madoff likely was consumed by the changes he helped set in motion.

Forbes

But how likely was that?

The New York Times - Magazine

It most likely was Alzheimer's disease.

The New York Times - Health

What was not likely was what came next.

The Guardian - Sport

It most likely was a deterrent to some recruits, too.

The New York Times

In its origin, language most likely was richly symbolical.

Encyclopedia Britannica

How likely was it that, at this stage, Didion would surpass her groundbreaking 1960s journalism?

The Guardian - Opinion

More likely was a mix of office and retail space in addition to a memorial.

The New York Times - Arts

Now, officials say the source most likely was North Korea, but the evidence remains circumstantial.

The New York Times

Nor, most likely, was the contrast lost on the governor himself.

The New York Times

"Well, how likely was it that the iron curtain was going to come down?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "likely was", ensure the context clearly establishes the timeframe to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify "the cause of the delay likely was a system error" instead of simply stating "the delay likely was".

Common error

While "likely was" is acceptable, overuse in formal contexts can make your writing sound less authoritative. Consider replacing it with stronger verbs or more definitive statements when possible. For example, instead of "the result likely was inconclusive", try "the result proved inconclusive".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "likely was" functions as a modal expression indicating probability or likelihood regarding a past event or state. Examples in Ludwig show its use in diverse contexts to express an educated guess or a reasonable assumption. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "likely was" serves as a useful phrase for expressing probability or likelihood concerning past events. It is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, as evidenced by numerous examples. The phrase is deemed acceptable by Ludwig and is featured across news, science, and encyclopedic sources, highlighting its versatility. While suitable for formal communication, it's crucial to avoid overuse in formal contexts to maintain writing strength and clarity. Knowing when to use stronger verbs and definitive statements is always recommended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it probably was

This alternative emphasizes the probability of a past event or situation.

it could have been

This suggests a possibility, focusing on potential rather than likelihood.

it may have been

Similar to "could have been", but leans towards a slightly weaker possibility.

it's plausible that it was

This alternative emphasizes the believability or reasonableness of a past situation.

it's conceivable that it was

Highlights the possibility, even if unlikely, of a past event.

it's reasonable to assume it was

This suggests a conclusion based on available information.

chances are it was

An informal way to express a high probability.

it's suspected that it was

This implies an element of uncertainty or lack of concrete evidence.

it's believed to have been

This suggests a widespread acceptance of a past event.

one might expect it was

Highlights an anticipation or prediction of a past situation.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "likely was"?

You can use alternatives like "probably was", "potentially was", or "possibly was" depending on the context.

How do I use "likely was" in a sentence?

Use "likely was" to express a degree of probability about a past event or situation. For example, "The delay likely was due to unforeseen circumstances".

Which is correct, "likely was" or "probably was"?

Both "likely was" and "probably was" are correct and convey a similar meaning, but "probably" often suggests a slightly higher degree of certainty.

What's the difference between "likely was" and "possibly was"?

"Likely was" suggests a higher probability than "possibly was". "Possibly" indicates something is within the realm of possibility, while "likely" suggests a greater chance of it being true.