likey

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'likey' is not a correct word in English.
It is not used in formal written English. If you are trying to express agreement or approval, it is better to use words like 'yes', 'agree', 'of course', 'certainly', etc. Example: Yes, I like the idea.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Finding himself seated next to the wife of a foreign diplomat, he asked if she "likey soupy?" after realising her English was poor.

The Guardian

It got me thinking about less radical solutions to improve rooms with limited headroom – and I asked budget-friendly interior designer/stylist Beth Worth of LoveHouseDesign.com for her tips… No likey, no lighty "If a room lacks height, the first thing is: do not put lighting fixtures on it – that will exaggerate things.

Independent

Rarely have public sympathies towards an individual changed quite so dramatically as when heroin was ruled to be a "likey cause" of Peaches Geldof's death at her preliminary inquest in April.

Independent

"If this is the future," he said to himself, "me likey".

The New Yorker

I recall his irritation after an Op-Ed page columnist wrote "Me no likey" in response to news of the extravagant bonuses paid to a group of A.I.G. employees.

The New Yorker

One says "Nawaz Sharif bye bye, papa Kyani no likey you," alluding to growing tensions between the head of the historically pro-establishment PMLN party and the chief of the army (whose name, Kayani, is misspelled).

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

With his flowing blond locks and pixie pout, he's the androgynous face of Marc Jacobs' newly launched spring/summer ad campaign, and stars alongside female lookey-likey Karolina Kurkova for Jean Paul Gaultier.

Independent

A few weeks back Channel Four almost ruined an otherwise fine film about the Waco siege with pointless scenes featuring a David Koresh lookey-likey.

The Guardian - Film

Has he been kidnapped by aliens and a looky-likey put in his place?

The Guardian

"Faux, looky-likey lofts," said Bowen, with a genuine shudder.

The Guardian

As that pesky, feral media readies the final verdict on Tony's legacy, Andrew Rawnsley, Rory Bremner and lookey-likey queen Alison Jackson line up to say goodbye.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "likey" in formal writing. Opt for the correct spelling, "likely", or alternative expressions depending on your intended meaning.

Common error

Don't assume "likey" is an acceptable substitute for "likely" or "I like it" in formal contexts. Always proofread for correct spelling and grammar.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "likey" functions primarily as an incorrect or informal substitute for the adjective "likely" or the verb phrase "I like". As noted by Ludwig AI, this term is not recognized in standard English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "likey" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is not recognized in formal contexts. While it may appear in informal settings or as a colloquial expression, it's best to use "likely" to express probability, or "I like it" to convey personal preference. The examples found by Ludwig, while present in news and media sources, do not legitimize its formal use. Therefore, avoiding "likey" in formal writing is recommended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

likely

This is the correct spelling and grammatical form of the word, indicating probability.

I like it

This phrase expresses personal preference or enjoyment, similar to a simplified, informal expression of liking something.

probable

This term indicates a high degree of likelihood, focusing on the chance of something occurring.

inclined

Expresses a tendency or willingness towards something.

predisposed

Implies a pre-existing tendency or susceptibility.

partial to

Indicates a fondness or preference for something.

have a liking for

Expresses a fondness or enjoyment of something.

tend to

Suggests a habitual or probable action or state.

I'm fond of

Expresses affection or liking for something.

it is my preference

This indicates a choice or inclination toward something.

FAQs

What is the correct spelling, "likey" or "likely"?

"Likely" is the correct spelling. "Likey" is generally considered a misspelling and is not used in standard English.

When is it appropriate to use "likey"?

It's rarely appropriate. "Likey" might appear in very informal or colloquial speech, but it's best to avoid it in writing. Consider using "I like it" or "I'm fond of" depending on the context.

What are some alternatives to expressing that something is "likely"?

You can use words such as "probable", "inclined", or "predisposed".

Is "likey" ever used correctly in formal writing?

No, "likey" is not considered correct in formal writing. Always use "likely" or other appropriate alternatives.