likely yes

USAGE SUMMARY

'likely yes' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you expect something to happen, but you are not absolutely sure about it. For example, "Will it rain tomorrow? Likely yes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

"The answer is, very likely, yes".

The New York Times

The answer to all these questions is likely yes.

The New Yorker

"Our best guess is most likely, yes," said Nicholas P. Heymann, an analyst at Sterne, Agee & Leach.

The New York Times

Most likely, yes – but that is no reason to spread hysteria about kids and cannabis, or to prevent adults from getting safe access.

The Guardian - Opinion

If the answer was yes, the next question would be, "Can we afford it?" The answer today, with the surpluses piling up, is likely yes.

The New York Times

The answer is likely yes — if we had been paying closer attention to the human-animal interactions that enable new viruses to emerge.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Responses were made on a three-point scale: 0 – not true, 1 – yes, likely and 2 – yes, definitely and summed into a psychotic experiences score.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

Ask a toddler if his mother knows where he has hidden a toy, for example, and he'll likely say "yes," even if his mom has no idea.

Science Magazine

If you had to boil hip-hop in 2016 down to two words, they would likely be "yes lawd".

Vice

He also stated "There will be circumstances when the answer to that question [the use of ground advisers] will likely be yes".

Huffington Post

"I don't think it is very likely but yes, I would do it given the opportunity," drummer Nick Mason said last week, according to The Guardian.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, consider using more precise language to quantify the likelihood, such as "highly probable" or "almost certain", if appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "likely yes" when the outcome is highly uncertain or speculative. In such cases, opt for phrases that reflect the ambiguity, such as "possibly yes" or "it's uncertain".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "likely yes" functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies an implied verb, expressing a degree of certainty or probability regarding an affirmative response. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates an expectation of a positive outcome without absolute guarantee.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

26%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "likely yes" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to express a probable affirmative response. Ludwig AI confirms its suitability for written English. It's most commonly found in news, media, and scientific contexts and conveys a degree of certainty without being absolute. While versatile, it's advisable to opt for more precise language in formal settings if the level of probability can be better quantified. Consider alternatives like "probably yes" or "most likely yes" to fine-tune the message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

probably yes

This alternative replaces "likely" with "probably", maintaining a high degree of certainty in the affirmative response.

most likely yes

Adding "most" emphasizes a slightly higher probability than "likely yes".

almost certainly yes

This phrase indicates a very strong probability, bordering on certainty.

very likely yes

The addition of "very" intensifies the likelihood, suggesting a strong possibility.

in all likelihood yes

This phrase offers a more formal way of expressing probability.

presumably yes

Implies that based on available evidence, the answer is likely "yes".

it is likely yes

Rephrasing with an explicit subject emphasizes the affirmation with a touch more formality.

I'd say yes

Expresses a personal inclination toward a 'yes' answer based on an assessment.

I think so

A more casual way of indicating agreement or expectation of an affirmative outcome.

the answer is likely yes

This alternative focuses on answering a question, making it a direct response.

FAQs

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

You can use "likely yes" when responding to a question where you anticipate a positive answer but aren't completely sure. For example, "Will the project be completed on time? Likely yes."

What phrases are similar to "likely yes"?

Alternatives to "likely yes" include phrases like "probably yes", "most likely yes", or "almost certainly yes", depending on the degree of certainty you want to express.

Is it grammatically correct to say "likely yes"?

Yes, "likely yes" is grammatically correct and commonly used to indicate a probable affirmative response. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

When should I avoid using "likely yes"?

Avoid using "likely yes" in formal contexts where precise language is required. Instead, opt for more specific terms like "highly probable" or "almost certain", if appropriate.