most likely not

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence "most likely not" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are expressing a strong probability that something is not true or not the case. Example: Even though I wanted to attend the party, I most likely won't be able to due to work commitments.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A: Most likely not.

The New Yorker

It's also most likely not true.

The New York Times

"It's most likely not a genetic trait".

The New York Times - Magazine

Certainly not Luke, and most likely not his creator.

The Guardian - Books

A traditional entertainment this would most likely not be.

The New Yorker

That game will most likely not matter much.

The New York Times - Sports

The Mets would most likely not try to retaliate, anyway.

The New York Times - Sports

The prototype will most likely not be operational by 2020.

The Guardian - Opinion

They will most likely not be around another five years.

The New York Times - Sports

"It is most likely not a permanent increase".

The New York Times

Ugueth Urbina, a superb midseason addition to the bullpen, will most likely not be retained.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "most likely not", ensure the context clearly indicates what you are negating. Ambiguity can arise if the scope of the negation is unclear.

Common error

While "most likely not" is acceptable, overuse in formal contexts can make writing sound less sophisticated. Consider using more concise and direct alternatives like "unlikely" or "improbable" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "most likely not" functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a verb or clause, expressing a strong degree of improbability or negation. It indicates that the speaker believes something is highly unlikely to occur or be true. According to Ludwig AI, the usage of this adverbial phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "most likely not" is a common and grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to express a strong probability that something is false or will not occur. It is frequently found in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. While versatile, varying your phrasing with synonyms like "unlikely" or "probably not" can enhance your writing. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Although prevalent across various registers, it's important to consider the context and audience when choosing the most appropriate expression of improbability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

probably not

Slightly less formal and emphatic than "most likely not".

unlikely

A more concise way to express that something is improbable.

not probable

A more formal and less common way to say "unlikely".

doubtful

Emphasizes the speaker's uncertainty about something happening.

not expected

Focuses on the lack of anticipation or expectation.

hardly likely

Emphasizes a low probability of something occurring.

not anticipated

Similar to "not expected" but perhaps more formal.

improbable

A more formal synonym for "unlikely".

conceivably not

Indicates a possibility that something is false.

realistically no

Indicates that the statement is not realistic.

FAQs

What does "most likely not" mean?

The phrase "most likely not" indicates a strong probability that something is false or will not happen. It's a way of expressing doubt or disbelief about a particular outcome.

How can I use "most likely not" in a sentence?

You can use "most likely not" to express your opinion about the probability of an event. For example: "The government will "most likely not" shut down on October 1st.".

What are some alternatives to "most likely not"?

Similar phrases include "probably not", "unlikely", or "doubtful". The best alternative depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "most likely not" or "most unlikely"?

"Most likely not" is generally used to negate a specific action or event, while "most unlikely" describes the inherent probability of something. For example: "He will "most likely not" attend" versus "His attendance is "most unlikely"".