more likely to

USAGE SUMMARY

"more likely to" is a grammatically correct phrase that is widely used in written English, especially in formal writing.
For example, you could use it to say, "The risk of disease was more likely to increase with prolonged exposure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are more likely to offer credit.

The Economist

He's more likely to believe it.

Independent

They are more likely to earn patents.

The New York Times

Some are more likely to deter them.

The Economist

That makes them more likely to reoffend.

The Economist

They become more likely to subscribe".

The New Yorker

More likely to find a good job.

The New York Times - Magazine

Are they more likely to be friends?

The New York Times

Happier customers are more likely to buy.

The Economist

They are more likely to be disabled.

The Economist

"They were more likely to work.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "more likely to", ensure you clearly define the comparison group or alternative scenario. This provides context and strengthens the statement's impact. For example, instead of saying "People are more likely to fail", specify "Students who skip classes are more likely to fail than those who attend regularly".

Common error

Avoid using "more likely to" without a clear point of comparison. It's important to specify what the subject is more likely to do compared to what or whom. For instance, instead of stating "This method is more likely to work", clarify "This method is more likely to work than the traditional approach".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more likely to" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a verb to indicate a higher probability or tendency. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use in various contexts, highlighting probabilities and tendencies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "more likely to" is a versatile phrase used to express a higher probability or tendency of something happening compared to something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely accepted. It is most frequently encountered in News & Media contexts, with Formal & Business and Wiki sources also showing significant usage. When using this phrase, ensure a clear point of comparison is established to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "more inclined to" or "more prone to" can add nuance, but "more likely to" remains a reliable and widely understood choice for indicating comparative probability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more inclined to

Implies a preference or disposition, slightly shifting the focus from pure probability.

more prone to

Suggests a vulnerability or susceptibility, adding a negative connotation.

more apt to

Indicates a natural tendency or suitability, introducing an element of appropriateness.

tend to

Offers a simpler and more general way to express a common behavior or occurrence.

likely to

Removes the comparative aspect, focusing on the general likelihood.

have a tendency to

Lengthens the phrase while maintaining a similar meaning of habitual behavior.

predisposed to

Highlights a pre-existing inclination or susceptibility, often genetically or environmentally influenced.

susceptible to

Emphasizes vulnerability to external influences or conditions.

liable to

Implies a potential for negative consequences or legal responsibility.

expected to

Shifts the focus to anticipation or prediction, based on norms or expectations.

FAQs

How can I use "more likely to" in a sentence?

Use "more likely to" to indicate a higher probability of something happening compared to something else. For example, "People who exercise regularly are "more likely to be healthy"".

What are some alternatives to saying "more likely to"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "more inclined to", "more prone to", or "tend to" as alternatives to "more likely to".

Is it correct to say "most likely to" instead of "more likely to"?

While both are grammatically correct, "most likely to" implies the highest probability among multiple options, while "more likely to" compares two specific possibilities. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the comparison you're making.

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

"Likely to" indicates a general probability, whereas "more likely to" implies a comparison. For example, "It's likely to rain today" suggests rain is probable. "It's "more likely to rain than snow"" suggests rain is a stronger possibility than snow.