sounds likely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sounds likely" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that something seems probable or plausible based on the information provided. Example: "Given the evidence presented, it sounds likely that the project will be completed on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Neither sounds likely right now.

The New York Times

The second defies statistical analysis, but also sounds likely: those who know where stock prices will go make use of the information themselves.

The Economist

It sounds likely.

BBC

That being said, it's an interesting move and something to watch; a Google -branded, nationwide, free wireless data network now sounds more than plausible, it sounds likely.

TechCrunch

It sounds likely that Apple is going to introduce three new phones in September — an updated iPhone X, a bigger phone and a successor to the iPhone 8 with the iPhone X design.

TechCrunch

The tagline for the event is "Come experience our vision of a self-driving future," and while advance details are scarce, it sounds likely that Cruise will take the opportunity to allow media and other guests to experience their pilot self-driving ride hailing service.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Neither outcome would be smooth in fact, worldwide upheaval sounds likelier.

Vice

It doesn't sound likely that Ebbsfleet will be much like a garden city that Ebenezer Howard would recognise or be proud of.

The Guardian - Arts

It doesn't sound likely".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But it's not a sound likely to make President Dmitri Medvedev turn around.

The New York Times

Secondly, the journalist's immediate agreement not to publish did not sound likely.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sounds likely" when you want to convey that something appears probable based on the available information, but without absolute certainty. It is best suited for situations where you are making an informed judgment.

Common error

Avoid using "sounds likely" when you have definitive evidence. Opt for stronger expressions like "is certain" or "is confirmed" to reflect the level of confidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sounds likely" functions as an evaluative expression, indicating a perceived probability based on available information. It serves to convey an assessment of plausibility, as exemplified by the various instances provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sounds likely" is a grammatically sound and generally acceptable expression used to convey a sense of probability or plausibility. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in a variety of contexts, primarily in News & Media and Wiki, with a neutral register. While not as definitive as "is likely", it provides a valuable tool for expressing informed judgments. When writing, be sure to avoid overstating certainty and consider alternative phrases like "seems probable" to refine the nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seems probable

Emphasizes probability over initial impression.

appears plausible

Highlights the believability or reasonableness.

seems reasonable

Focuses on the logical aspect and justification.

suggests possibility

Indicates a potential outcome or scenario.

gives the impression of being likely

A more verbose way to convey the same idea, emphasizing the impression given.

could well be

Implies a good chance of something being true.

it is conceivable

Suggests that something is possible or imaginable.

has the earmarks of

Suggests signs or characteristics that make something appear likely.

one might expect

Expresses an anticipation or prediction of something likely to happen.

it stands to reason

Highlights that something is logical or follows from the available information.

FAQs

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

You can use "sounds likely" to express that something seems probable or plausible based on current information. For example, "Given the data, it "sounds likely" that the project will finish on time."

What are some alternatives to "sounds likely"?

Alternatives include phrases like "seems probable", "appears plausible", or "suggests possibility", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "sounds likely" formal or informal?

"Sounds likely" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or very professional settings.

What's the difference between "sounds likely" and "is likely"?

"Sounds likely" implies a judgment based on available information, while "is likely" suggests a higher degree of certainty or statistical probability. "It "sounds likely"" conveys a more tentative assessment than "It is likely."