the most likely

USAGE SUMMARY

"the most likely" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when conveying the idea that something is the most probable or reasonable outcome. For example: "Given the current circumstances, the most likely outcome is that the project will be completed on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The most likely outcome?

The Economist

The most likely perpetrator?

The New York Times - Health

Select the most likely object.

The New Yorker

So phased releases are the most likely.

The Economist

The most likely outcome is a settlement.

The New Yorker

And that's the most likely scenario.

The New York Times

What seems the most likely theory?

Independent

Who are the most likely candidates?

The New York Times

The most likely situation is this.

The New York Times

Russia is the most likely source.

The Economist

The A.C.C. is the most likely destination.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the most likely", ensure it's followed by a noun or noun phrase that specifies what is most likely, providing context and clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "the most likely" without sufficient evidence or justification, as it can weaken your argument and make your writing appear speculative rather than authoritative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the most likely" functions as a superlative adjective phrase. According to Ludwig, it typically modifies a noun, indicating the highest degree of probability or expectation among a set of possibilities. For example, "The most likely outcome is a settlement."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

25%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"The most likely" is a versatile phrase used to denote the highest probability among various options. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is considered grammatically correct and frequently appears across diverse contexts, ranging from news reports and academic research to everyday conversations. With a neutral register, it effectively conveys expectations and assessments of probability. When employing "the most likely", it's beneficial to clearly specify the subject it modifies, thus ensuring clarity and strengthening the overall impact of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most probable

Emphasizes the highest probability of an event occurring.

the likeliest

A more concise and slightly less common variant.

highly probable

Indicates a strong chance of occurrence.

very likely

Similar in meaning but with a slightly less formal tone.

most plausible

Highlights the believability or reasonableness of a scenario.

odds-on favorite

Suggests the outcome is so probable it's almost guaranteed.

in all likelihood

Expresses an expectation based on available evidence.

best bet

Suggests the option with the highest chance of success.

the strongest possibility

Emphasizes the strength of the chance an event will occur.

the leading candidate

Indicates the option considered to be the most probable.

FAQs

How can I use "the most likely" in a sentence?

Use "the most likely" to indicate the highest probability among several possibilities. For example, "Given the forecast, the most likely scenario is rain."

What are some alternatives to "the most likely"?

You can use alternatives like "most probable", "very likely", or "in all likelihood" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "mostly likely" instead of "the most likely"?

No, "mostly likely" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "the most likely", which means having the highest probability.

What is the difference between "likely" and "the most likely"?

"Likely" indicates a probability, while "the most likely" suggests the highest probability among several possibilities. For example, "Rain is likely" vs. "Rain is the most likely outcome".