most likely already

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "most likely already" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a high probability that something has occurred or been done prior to the current moment. Example: "The report is most likely already completed, given the deadline is tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

O'Malley explains that Leonardo probably suggested changes because the altarpiece most likely already had the image specified in the contract, and Leonardo didn't like the idea of repetition.

HuffPost

But a leader with high integrity is most likely already doing those things.

Harvard Business Review

Those who have the capabilities are most likely already in position to get the job without the credentials.

Yale University

A number of species have not been seen in the wild for years and are most likely already extinct.

The Guardian

Besides, "any government that has wanted to create a weaponized strain of the flu has most likely already done so".

The New York Times - Magazine

The country has most likely already stockpiled enough fuel to fight an extended war, Mr. Lewis said.

The New York Times

The film's publicity release reveals no connection, and in fairness, it was most likely already in the works when "The World Without Us" was published last summer.

The New York Times - Arts

The time to broker an N.B.A. labor deal without harming the preseason had most likely already passed by the time negotiators gathered Thursday morning in Manhattan.

The New York Times - Sports

We are talking here about doors with knobs -- anyone who lives in a building with swinging or revolving doors is most likely already proficient in their operation.

The New York Times

We've most likely already found and tapped the biggest, most accessible and highest-E.R.O.I. oil and gas fields, just as we've already exploited the best rivers for hydropower.

The New York Times

A rudimentary knowledge of molecular cell biology has most likely already evoked in your mind the elegant solution to this problem: a translating ribosome feeding a channel its nascent polypeptide.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider the context and audience. For more formal writing, "in all likelihood already" might be more appropriate, while "probably already" may suffice for casual communication.

Common error

Avoid stacking adverbs like "very most likely already" as it creates redundancy and weakens your writing. Choose the most fitting adverb and use it judiciously.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "most likely already" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to express a high degree of probability and completion. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

15%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "most likely already" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adverbial phrase to indicate a high probability that something has happened before the present time. As demonstrated by the examples in Ludwig, its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse contexts, ranging from news and media to academic writing. When using "most likely already", consider the specific nuance you want to convey, and choose it when you want to strongly suggest that something has happened with a strong degree of probability, as this is what the phrase explicitly means. Finally, as Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is well accepted in English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

probably already

A more casual alternative, replacing "most likely" with the simpler "probably".

likely already

A slightly less emphatic version, omitting "most" from "most likely".

almost certainly already

Emphasizes the certainty of the event having occurred.

very likely already

Strengthens the probability with the intensifier "very".

in all likelihood already

A more formal and elaborate way of expressing probability.

presumably already

Suggests that the event is assumed based on available evidence.

by now, it's likely

Separates the time frame and probability into two distinct parts of the sentence.

chances are, it's already

A more idiomatic expression indicating a high probability.

it's quite possible it's already

Expresses possibility with the qualifier "quite", adding some ambiguity.

one would expect it's already

Implies an expectation based on a logical conclusion.

FAQs

How can I use "most likely already" in a sentence?

You can use "most likely already" to express a high degree of confidence that something has happened or is in a particular state. For example, "Given the circumstances, the decision is "most likely already" made".

What are some alternatives to "most likely already"?

Alternatives include "probably already", "likely already", or "almost certainly already" depending on the level of certainty you wish to convey.

Is it redundant to use "most likely already"?

While "most likely" and "already" both convey a sense of probability and completion, their combination emphasizes that the event is not only probable but also completed before the present moment. While not strictly redundant, consider if the "already" adds significant meaning, or if "most likely" alone suffices.

What's the difference between "most likely already" and "probably already"?

"Most likely already" suggests a slightly higher degree of confidence than "probably already". The former implies stronger evidence or reasoning, while the latter is a more general expression of likelihood.