more likely

USAGE SUMMARY

"more likely" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when comparing the chances of two or more potential outcomes. For example: "It's more likely that the rain will start later in the day than earlier."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

More likely, natural progression.

The New York Times

Money, more likely.

The New Yorker

More likely the latter.

Independent

More likely, it won't.

The New Yorker

That seems more likely.

The Economist

More likely, Australia.

Independent

Or, more likely, both.

The New York Times - Arts

(Or Macy, more likely).

The New Yorker

Or more likely, "Don't panic".

The New York Times

More likely, it will not.

The Economist

More likely," he suggests hopefully.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "more likely" to compare two distinct possibilities, ensuring the comparison is clear and logical. For example, "It is more likely to rain tomorrow than it is to snow."

Common error

Avoid using "more likely" when only one outcome is presented. Instead of saying "This is more likely", rephrase it to "This is likely" or "This is probable" if there's no direct comparison.

Linguistic Context

"More likely" serves as a comparative adjective phrase, functioning to modify a statement by indicating a higher probability of something occurring compared to something else. Ludwig shows numerous examples in diverse contexts confirming this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

25%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "more likely" is a versatile and commonly used comparative phrase indicating a higher probability of one event or outcome compared to another. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedic content and wiki articles. When using "more likely", ensure there's a clear comparison being made and that the context aligns with the intended level of formality. While it is generally acceptable, using more precise language can sometimes enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more probable

Changes the wording to a synonym that means having a higher chance of occurring, emphasizing probability.

in all likelihood

A more formal way to express a high degree of probability or expectation.

more liable

Implies a greater susceptibility or tendency towards a specific outcome or condition.

chances are

A common way to say that something is very probable or almost certain.

more inclined

Indicates a greater leaning or preference towards a certain action or belief.

more apt

Suggests a higher suitability or fitness for a particular situation or purpose.

it is expected

Shifts the focus to expectation rather than probability, implying an anticipation based on present conditions.

more given to

Implies a natural or habitual tendency toward something.

on the cards

An idiomatic expression meaning that something is likely to happen or be considered.

odds are

An informal way to express that something is probable based on the available evidence or chances.

FAQs

How to use "more likely" in a sentence?

"More likely" is used to indicate a higher probability of one event occurring compared to another. For example: "It's "more likely" that I'll stay home than go out tonight."

What can I say instead of "more likely"?

You can use alternatives like "more probable", "in all likelihood", or "chances are" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "likely" or "more likely"?

"Likely" indicates a general probability, while "more likely" is used for comparing the probabilities of two or more events. Both are correct, but the choice depends on the context. If you're comparing, use "more likely"; otherwise, use "likely".

What's the difference between "more likely" and "most likely"?

"More likely" compares two options, indicating one is more probable than the other. "Most likely" suggests that an option is the most probable among several possibilities.