not likely

USAGE SUMMARY

"not likely" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something is unlikely to happen. For example: "The odds of winning the lottery are so low, it's not likely to happen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Not likely, not likely.

The New Yorker

Not Likely.

Stanford University

But that's not likely.

The New York Times

Not likely to.

The New Yorker

Not likely to remember?

The New York Times - Health

Possible, but not likely.

The New York Times - Sports

But it's not likely.

The New York Times

It's obviously not likely.

The New York Times

It's not likely.

The New York Times

That is not likely.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Likely not.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not likely" to express a moderate degree of doubt or improbability. If you want to express a stronger sense of impossibility, consider using phrases like "no chance" or "impossible."

Common error

While "not likely" is acceptable in many situations, avoid overusing it in highly formal writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "improbable" or "doubtful" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not likely" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause, expressing a low probability or doubt about something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. For instance, 'That is not likely' indicates a skepticism about a preceding statement.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not likely" is a versatile phrase used to express a moderate degree of doubt or improbability. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts, although more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic or professional settings. Its frequent appearance in news and media underscores its relevance in everyday communication. While straightforward, understanding the nuances of its usage and potential alternatives can enhance clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unlikely

A direct synonym, indicating a low chance of happening.

not probable

A more formal way of saying "not likely".

improbable

This single word directly expresses a low probability of occurrence.

doubtful

Focuses on the speaker's uncertainty about something happening.

hardly probable

Emphasizes the lack of probability more strongly.

remote possibility

Indicates that something is possible but very unlikely.

questionable

Suggests that the likelihood is open to debate or skepticism.

slim chance

Highlights the small possibility of success.

not a chance

A more emphatic way of saying something is not going to happen.

scarcely

Implies that something is almost certainly not the case.

FAQs

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

You can use "not likely" to express doubt or improbability about an event or situation. For example, "It's "not likely" that the weather will improve tomorrow."

What are some alternatives to saying "not likely"?

Alternatives include "unlikely", "improbable", "doubtful", and "questionable" depending on the context.

Is "not likely" too informal for academic writing?

While "not likely" is generally acceptable, using more formal alternatives like "improbable" or "not probable" may be preferable in academic contexts to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "not likely" and "impossible"?

"Not likely" suggests a low probability, while "impossible" indicates that something cannot occur under any circumstances. "It's "not likely" that I'll win the lottery" means the chances are very slim. "It's impossible to breathe underwater without equipment" means it cannot happen.