reasonably likely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reasonably likely" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in situations when something is likely, but not certain. For example: "The probability that there will be rain tomorrow is reasonably likely."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The government should choose from among these means a method that is reasonably likely to reach potential claimants at a cost reasonable in the circumstances.

Cornell University

It remains reasonably likely to be thrown out on appeal.

The Guardian - Opinion

Credible failures are those that can occur or are reasonably likely to occur.

Safety Design for Space Systems

It is reasonably likely that his polls will take a near-term hit.

The New York Times

A detainee might be violent and dangerous, or reasonably likely to commit sexual offences in the future.

The Guardian

But deciding whether an action is reasonably likely to cause bodily injury, he said, may be more subjective.

The New York Times

In any case, the effects must be reasonably likely to occur and of significant magnitude to be deemed material.

Harvard Business Review

It is therefore of utmost importance to identify appropriate surrogate endpoints that are reasonably likely to measure true clinical benefit.

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular Basis of Disease

It was always reasonably likely that the team would come to this final group match needing a victory to progress.

The New York Times - Sports

This term does not include casual park use by visitors or tourists that is not reasonably likely to attract a crowd or onlookers.

Cornell University

Counsel cannot be "ineffective" unless his mistakes have harmed the defense (or, at least, unless it is reasonably likely that they have).

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reasonably likely" when you want to convey that something has a good chance of happening or being true, without asserting absolute certainty. It's ideal for scenarios where a degree of uncertainty remains, but the probability is substantial.

Common error

Avoid using "reasonably likely" when the situation demands a definitive statement. If the outcome is virtually guaranteed, opt for stronger phrases like "certain" or "inevitable" to reflect the higher degree of confidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reasonably likely" functions as an adjectival modifier, describing the probability or chance of a particular event or outcome. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

30%

Science

32%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reasonably likely" is a versatile phrase used to express a moderate to high degree of probability. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, the phrase is commonly found in news, academic, and scientific sources, indicating its appropriateness for formal and neutral registers. When writing, use "reasonably likely" to convey a substantial probability without overstating certainty, and consider related phrases like "quite probable" or "fairly plausible" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quite probable

Suggests a high degree of likelihood, emphasizing the chance of something happening.

fairly plausible

Implies believability and a good chance of being true, slightly more focused on credibility.

decently probable

Indicates a good degree of probability, suggesting a strong chance something will occur.

likely enough

Indicates an acceptable level of probability, implying the likelihood is sufficient for consideration.

potentially expected

Highlights the anticipation of something occurring, based on current conditions or trends.

plausibly anticipated

Indicates a level of expectation based on reasonable grounds and predictability.

conceivably possible

Suggests something is within the realm of possibility, though not necessarily probable.

predictably possible

Implies an event can be foreseen based on available data, leaning towards expected occurrences.

well within the realm of possibility

Similar to "conceivably possible" but emphasizes greater feasibility.

within the bounds of possibility

Expresses that something is possible, but without strong emphasis on its likelihood.

FAQs

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

Use "reasonably likely" to express that an event or outcome has a good chance of occurring. For example: "It is "reasonably likely" that the project will be completed on time."

What phrases are similar to "reasonably likely"?

Alternatives include "quite probable", "fairly plausible", or "likely enough". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it inappropriate to use "reasonably likely"?

Avoid using "reasonably likely" when a situation demands absolute certainty. Use stronger terms like "certain" or "guaranteed" if the outcome is not in doubt.

Is there a difference between "reasonably likely" and "possibly likely"?

"Reasonably likely" suggests a higher degree of probability than "possibly likely". "Possibly likely" indicates a slight chance, whereas "reasonably likely" implies a more substantial likelihood.