this is likely because

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of sentence 'this is likely because' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are making an inference or deduction to explain an observed phenomenon. For example: The decrease in temperature over the last month is likely because of the changing season.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is likely because a highly non-specific compound like Staurosporine can inhibit > 400 kinases by itself.

BMC Genomics

This is likely because far less money is available in women's road racing.

The Guardian - Sport

This is likely because this is The Fall, and everyone is stupid and nobody learns anything.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

This is likely because new links were being shared at such a rapid pace.

The New York Times

This is likely because bright moonlight may increase the vulnerability of these animals to predators.

The New York Times

This is likely because the majority of malaria vaccine candidates have only recently entered clinical evaluation.

Vaccine

This is likely because it improves adoption of weight control behaviors.

Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

This is likely because the definition of a feedback loop can easily confuse a new user.

Ecological Processes

This is likely because it is the most apt at picking out signals unique to storms.

Earth, Planets and Space

This is likely because the middle-ear prosthesis used for RW stimulation was designed for a very different application.

Hearing Research

This is likely because of the diffusion of the copper catalyst incorporated in the growth of the Si nanowires.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this is likely because", ensure that the statement following 'because' directly explains the preceding observation or phenomenon.

Common error

Avoid using "this is likely because" when the explanation is purely speculative or lacks supporting evidence. Use more tentative language if the reason is uncertain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is likely because" functions as a causal connector, linking a preceding statement or observation to a plausible explanation. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and suitable for written English. It introduces a reason or inference based on the available evidence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

78%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "this is likely because" serves as a crucial connector, offering a plausible explanation for a preceding statement. As affirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and commonly used in written English, especially in academic, scientific and news contexts. It indicates a reasoned inference, supported by evidence, but acknowledging that other explanations might exist. When using this phrase, ensure that the explanation logically follows and adequately supports the preceding observation. Consider alternative expressions like "this is probably because" or "this is possibly because" to fine-tune the degree of certainty. Avoid overstating the certainty of your explanation if evidence is lacking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is probably because

Switches from "likely" to "probably", indicating a slightly higher degree of certainty.

this is possibly because

Replaces "likely" with "possibly", suggesting a lower degree of certainty.

this is presumably because

Substitutes "likely" with "presumably", implying an assumption based on some evidence.

this is anticipated because

Uses "anticipated" instead of "likely", suggesting an expectation based on prior knowledge.

this is arguably because

Replaces "likely" with "arguably", indicating that the reason is open to debate.

this is potentially because

Changes "likely" to "potentially", suggesting a possible but not definite reason.

this is generally because

Substitutes "likely" with "generally", indicating a common or typical reason.

this is expected because

Uses "expected" instead of "likely", suggesting that the reason aligns with expectations.

this is apparently because

Replaces "likely" with "apparently", implying that the reason is based on available evidence.

this is seemingly because

Substitutes "likely" with "seemingly", suggesting an impression or appearance of the reason.

FAQs

How can I use "this is likely because" in a sentence?

Use "this is likely because" to introduce a plausible explanation for a preceding statement. For example, "The plant is wilting; this is likely because it hasn't been watered recently."

What are some alternatives to "this is likely because"?

You can use alternatives such as "this is probably because", "this is possibly because", or "this is presumably because" depending on the degree of certainty you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "this is likely because" in formal writing?

Yes, "this is likely because" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in academic or scientific contexts where you are presenting a reasoned explanation. Ensure that your explanation is supported by evidence.

What's the difference between "this is likely because" and "this is certainly because"?

"This is likely because" suggests a probable explanation based on available evidence, while "this is certainly because" implies a definitive and unquestionable reason. Using "this is certainly because" should only be used when you have absolute confidence in the explanation.