this is likely to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is likely to" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is used to express the probability or possibility of something happening in the future. Example: "Based on the current market trends, this stock is likely to increase in value over the next few months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Like many others, Bill feels this is likely to continue.

Vice

This is likely to change.

The Economist

This is likely to prove extremely controversial.

The Economist

This is likely to get worse.

The Economist

But this is likely to change.

The Economist

This is likely to happen in Sudan".

The New Yorker

This is likely to disappoint.

The New York Times

This is likely to continue.

The Guardian

This is likely to prove a mistake.

The Guardian

"So this is likely to be it.

The Guardian - Sport

This is likely to improve in time.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this is likely to", ensure that the context clearly supports the prediction or probability you are expressing. Provide supporting evidence or reasoning to strengthen your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "this is likely to" when there is no concrete evidence or basis for the prediction. Instead, consider using weaker qualifiers like "this might" or "this could" to indicate a lower level of certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is likely to" functions as an anticipatory 'it' structure introducing a clause that expresses a prediction or expectation. This is confirmed by Ludwig AI, with numerous examples showing its use in forecasting outcomes across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this is likely to" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that serves to express the probability or expectation of future events. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and scientific domains. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it appropriate for both formal and informal communications. When writing, it's crucial to provide evidence-based support for the expressed likelihood, ensuring clarity and credibility. Though seemingly straightforward, nuanced alternatives like "it is probable that" or "chances are" can be used for variations in tone and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is probable that

Replaces "likely" with "probable", offering a more formal synonym.

it may well be that

Expresses a strong possibility, often with an element of surprise or acknowledgment of uncertainty.

it is expected that

Focuses on expectation rather than likelihood, implying a degree of anticipation.

it is anticipated that

Similar to "expected", but often used in more formal or official contexts.

it is reasonable to assume that

Indicates a logical deduction based on existing information, suggesting a likely scenario.

it seems plausible that

Introduces the idea of something appearing reasonable or believable.

it is possible that

Emphasizes possibility rather than a strong likelihood.

it would appear that

Suggests an inference based on available evidence, indicating a likely conclusion.

chances are that

More informal, suggesting a good possibility without certainty.

it's a good bet that

An idiomatic expression indicating a high degree of confidence in a future outcome.

FAQs

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

Use "this is likely to" to express a high probability or expectation of something happening, such as "Given the current trends, "this is likely to" continue."

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

You can use alternatives like "it is probable that", "it is expected that", or "chances are that" to convey similar meanings.

Is "this is likely to" formal or informal?

"This is likely to" is suitable for neutral and formal contexts. For more informal situations, phrases like "chances are" might be preferred.

What's the difference between "this is likely to" and "this is possible to"?

"This is likely to" suggests a higher degree of probability than "this is possible to", which indicates something merely has the potential to occur.