this is likely to continue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is likely to continue" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a situation or trend that is expected to persist in the future. Example: "Given the current economic conditions, this is likely to continue for several more months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

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

Vice

"We know that today's youth do not face an easy labour market transition and with the continued global economic slowdown, this is likely to continue, but we also know that greater investment in targeted action to boost youth employment pays off".

The Guardian - Business

This is likely to continue.

The Guardian

This is likely to continue for some time.

The New York Times

This is likely to continue for some time yet in the West.

Computer Fraud & Security

Letwin's role was largely a backroom one and this is likely to continue.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

"Substantial funding" had been made available for such work, the company said, explaining that this was likely to continue into this year.

The Guardian - Business

Studies indicated this was likely to continue.

Stanford University

This was likely to continue.

BBC

Participants commented that this was likely to continue unless the government accepted responsibility for procurement and supply chain management as previously agreed.

BMJ Open

And this drop is likely to continue while those from overseas feel like second-class students, living in fear of being deported.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is likely to continue" when you want to convey a sense of probability based on current trends or circumstances. Be sure the 'this' clearly refers to something previously mentioned.

Common error

Avoid using "this is likely to continue" without a clear antecedent for "this". Ensure the reader understands what you're referring to; otherwise, clarify the subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is likely to continue" functions as a modal adverbial, indicating a degree of probability regarding a future event or situation. Ludwig AI confirms that its use is grammatically correct and understandable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this is likely to continue" is a versatile phrase used to express a probable continuation of a current situation or trend. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and is frequently found in news, science, and business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the reference is clear to avoid ambiguity. Consider related phrases such as "this is expected to continue" or "this will likely persist" depending on the desired nuance. The phrase maintains a neutral to professional register, making it suitable for various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this will probably continue

Replaces "is likely" with "will probably", indicating a strong possibility but not absolute certainty.

this is expected to continue

Substitutes "likely" with "expected", suggesting a forecast or anticipation of continuation.

this will likely persist

Replaces "continue" with "persist", emphasizing the enduring nature of the situation.

this is apt to continue

Uses "apt" instead of "likely", implying a natural tendency for the situation to continue.

this is poised to continue

Suggests that the situation is in a stable position to continue.

this trend is expected to persist

Explicitly refers to a "trend" and uses "persist" for a longer-lasting effect.

the outlook is for this to continue

Shifts the focus to an "outlook", presenting a forecast for continued activity.

it is anticipated that this will continue

Adds a level of formality and anticipation to the continuation.

it is foreseen that this will continue

Implies a prediction or foresight about the continuation.

we anticipate this will be ongoing

Shifts the perspective to the speaker's anticipation and uses "ongoing" for a continuous nature.

FAQs

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

You can use "this is likely to continue" to express that a current situation or trend will probably persist in the future. For example: "The company's profits have been increasing steadily, and "this is likely to continue" for the next quarter".

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

Alternatives include phrases like "this is expected to continue", "this will probably continue", or "this will likely persist". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "this is expected to continue" or "this is likely to continue"?

"This is expected to continue" and "this is likely to continue" have a similar level of formality. However, ""this is expected to continue"" might be slightly more appropriate in professional or formal contexts where a degree of anticipation or prediction is involved.

How does "this is likely to continue" differ from "this will certainly continue"?

"This is likely to continue" suggests a high probability but doesn't guarantee the outcome, whereas "this will certainly continue" expresses absolute certainty. The choice depends on the level of confidence you have in the continuation.