look likely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "look likely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something seems probable or has a good chance of happening. Example: "With the dark clouds gathering, it looks likely that we will experience a storm later today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lawsuits look likely.

The Economist

More closures look likely.

The Economist

That does not look likely.

The Economist

Further payout reductions look likely.

The Economist

Goals look likely.

The Guardian - Sport

Transfer bids look likely.

The Guardian - Sport

It doesn't look likely.

The New York Times - Books

Many more weeks of haggling look likely.

The Economist

Both now look likely to be approved.

The Economist

It doesn't look likely, Thump.

The Guardian - Sport

Council action doesn't look likely, though.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "look likely" to convey a degree of probability based on current evidence or trends. It's suitable when you want to express that something is expected to happen, but not with absolute certainty.

Common error

Avoid using "look likely" when you have definitive proof or information. In such cases, opt for stronger expressions like "will definitely happen" or "is certain to occur."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "look likely" functions as a modal verb phrase, indicating a degree of probability or expectation. It suggests that based on current information or appearances, a particular outcome is probable. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "look likely" is a versatile and frequently used expression to convey probability or expectation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is considered grammatically correct and is particularly prevalent in News & Media. While it maintains a neutral tone suitable for various contexts, it's essential to avoid overstating certainty when using it. Alternative phrases like "seem probable" or "be expected" can be used to add nuance to your writing. Overall, mastering the use of "look likely" can enhance your ability to communicate predictions and assessments effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appear probable

Replaces "look" with "appear" and "likely" with "probable", both conveying a sense of something being expected.

seem likely

Substitutes "look" with "seem", maintaining a similar level of certainty or expectation.

be probable

Uses a more direct verb phrase to express the likelihood of something.

be expected

Focuses on the expectation of an event or outcome, rather than its appearance.

be anticipated

Similar to "be expected" but suggests a higher degree of anticipation or preparation.

be odds-on

An idiomatic phrase indicating a very high probability, often used in betting contexts.

stand a good chance

Expresses a positive probability of something happening, emphasizing the opportunity.

be in the cards

Suggests that an event is predetermined or very likely to occur.

shape up to be

Focuses on the way events are developing, suggesting a likely outcome based on current trends.

promise to be

Emphasizes the potential or expectation of a future event based on current indications.

FAQs

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

Use "look likely" to suggest a probable outcome based on available information. For instance, "Given the current economic climate, a recession "look likely"."

What are some alternatives to "look likely"?

You can use alternatives like "seem probable", "appear likely", or "be expected" depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "appear likely" instead of "look likely"?

"Appear likely" is generally perceived as slightly more formal than ""look likely"", although both are acceptable in most contexts. The choice depends on the overall tone and style of your writing.

What's the difference between "look likely" and "be likely"?

"Be likely" is a more direct statement of probability, while ""look likely"" suggests that the probability is based on observation or current indications. For example, "Rain is likely" states a general probability, while "Rain looks likely" suggests you're basing that probability on the appearance of the sky.