perfectly likely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "perfectly likely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong probability or likelihood of something occurring. Example: "Given the circumstances, it is perfectly likely that the event will be postponed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Things fell apart (last year for BMW, more recently with Daimler) over questions of leadership and ownership, the German newspaper's source said — and given what we know about Apple, that seems like a perfectly likely sticking point.

TechCrunch

Mr. Reber said this was perfectly likely.

The New York Times - Travel

This alternative is, of course, perfectly likely.

The Guardian - Books

It seems perfectly likely that Leyzaola, his strong ties to the Army aside, is working for no one but himself.

The New Yorker

It's possibly a tad presumptuous, but it looks perfectly likely that Taylor-Wood and Johnson's working relationship may go the way of so many lovers' collaborations in film.

Independent

Donna seems a good deal less sane than Cynthia, and it's perfectly likely that Cynthia will eventually be visiting Donna in Pond House.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

If implemented, the proposal would greatly undermine the availability of credit by making it difficult to make many long-term loans, the value of which, even if performing perfectly, would likely be reduced on the day a loan is made".

The New York Times

For that reason, it's perfectly possible (likely, even) that one of us will write and publish a favorable (or negative) story about an Arrington investment without realizing it.

TechCrunch

But can you remember the last time you picked out a card and thought: "Gosh, this expresses my feelings perfectly!" More likely, you scanned a bunch of cards, put most back, and reluctantly settled on one with few words and a pleasantly ambiguous picture that reminds you of very cheap motels.

Huffington Post

Even after the latest round of speculation, it is perfectly possible, indeed likely, that he will stay out of the race.

The New Yorker

"If we got it wrong, which was perfectly possible, quite likely even, then I might not be able to show my face in this country again".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "perfectly likely" when you want to emphasize that something is not just possible, but reasonably expected based on the circumstances. It adds a stronger sense of anticipation than simply saying 'likely'.

Common error

Avoid using too many adverbs that intensify adjectives like "perfectly". While "perfectly likely" is valid, overusing such intensifiers can weaken your writing. Consider if 'likely' alone conveys enough meaning, or if a different word choice might be more impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "perfectly likely" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun (often implied) to describe the probability of an event or situation. This is supported by Ludwig, which shows examples in contexts where it describes expectations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "perfectly likely" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that indicates a strong probability or expectation. Ludwig's analysis shows that it appears in diverse sources, including news, science, and business, and the phrase functions primarily to convey a high degree of anticipation. While not extremely common, it can effectively strengthen your expression of likelihood. Consider alternatives like "highly probable" or "very plausible" depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highly probable

Indicates a high degree of probability, similar to "perfectly likely" but with a slightly different emphasis.

very plausible

Emphasizes the believability and reasonableness of something, akin to "perfectly likely".

eminently possible

Highlights the potential for something to occur or be true, reflecting a strong possibility.

quite conceivable

Suggests that something is readily imaginable or believable, similar in implication to "perfectly likely".

entirely credible

Focuses on the trustworthiness and believability of something, aligning with the idea of high likelihood.

decidedly predictable

Implies that something can be foreseen with a high degree of confidence, akin to expecting something as "perfectly likely".

almost certain

Indicates a near certainty, conveying a very strong probability.

reasonably expected

Suggests that something is anticipated based on the available evidence, similarly expressing a high likelihood.

easily foreseen

Highlights the ease with which something can be predicted, similar to its likelihood.

readily anticipated

Focuses on the expectation of something based on current conditions, expressing its high probability.

FAQs

How can I use "perfectly likely" in a sentence?

You can use "perfectly likely" to express a strong expectation or probability. For example, "Given the evidence, it's "perfectly likely" that the project will succeed."

What are some alternatives to "perfectly likely"?

Alternatives include "highly probable", "very plausible", or "eminently possible". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "likely" and "perfectly likely"?

"Perfectly likely" emphasizes a stronger degree of probability than simply "likely". It suggests something is not just possible but reasonably expected. It indicates a higher level of confidence compared to plain "likely".

Is "perfectly likely" formal or informal?

The phrase "perfectly likely" is suitable for a wide range of contexts, but leans slightly toward a neutral or formal register. Its appropriateness depends on the surrounding language and the intended audience.