this will likely be

USAGE SUMMARY

"this will likely be" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate a strong probability that a certain outcome will happen. For example: "No one wants to make the difficult decision, so this will likely be our last resort."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

If similar announcements in the past are any guide, however, this will likely be delayed.

The Guardian

This will likely be a photograph of your passport, or driving licence.

The Guardian

If Obama's pick is confirmed, this will likely be the most liberal court in decades.

The Guardian

This will likely be my last visit to Canada before I die.

The Guardian - Film

It is no coincidence that this will likely be Apple's first app developed for Android".

The Guardian - Tech

This will likely be the kids' show, but I'll be rooting for the oldsters.

The New Yorker

(This will likely be Elizabeth Warren's assignment when she speaks to the convention).

The New Yorker

And this will likely be the case for the next decade.

The New York Times

This will likely be more demanding than so-called "liberals" or "conservatives" simply staking a claim to their legacy.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the coalition analysis indicates this will likely be met by 'double counting' savings from the Climate Change Levy.

The Guardian

As the vagueness of such phrases suggests, this will likely be a campaign more about mood than specific policies.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider rephrasing for weaker likelihoods: "This might be", "This could be", or "This may be."

Common error

Avoid using "this will likely be" when the outcome is merely a possibility, not a strong probability. Using a more tentative phrase improves accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this will likely be" functions as a predictive statement, indicating a strong possibility or expectation regarding a future event or condition. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It's a common way to express anticipation based on current evidence or trends.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this will likely be" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to express a strong expectation about a future event. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in writing. It finds application across diverse fields, from news and media to scientific writing, though it's particularly common in news contexts. When using the phrase, it’s important to ensure that the context supports a high degree of probability, and alternatives like "this is expected to be" can provide similar meaning. However, overstating the likelihood when the outcome remains speculative should be avoided. The phrase conveys a confident prediction, influencing audience expectations based on present evidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is likely to be

Replaces 'will' with 'is to', maintaining a focus on the present with a future implication.

this is expected to be

Emphasizes anticipation or prediction, often based on prior knowledge or trends.

this is probably going to be

Replaces 'likely' with 'probably going to', using a more informal tone.

it is anticipated that this will be

Adds a level of formality and emphasizes the anticipation of the stated outcome.

this is almost certainly going to be

Replaces 'likely' with 'almost certainly going to', indicating near certainty.

it is highly probable that this will be

Uses 'highly probable' to strengthen the likelihood, making it more emphatic.

chances are this will be

Introduces an element of chance or probability, indicating a good possibility.

this should be

Uses 'should' to imply an expectation or recommendation, suggesting a likely outcome.

this is presumed to be

Implies an assumption or expectation without concrete evidence.

this may well be

Uses 'may well' to suggest a strong possibility, though not a certainty.

FAQs

How can I use "this will likely be" in a sentence?

Use "this will likely be" to express a strong probability about a future event or situation. For example, "Given the current trend, this will likely be the hottest summer on record."

What are some alternatives to "this will likely be"?

You can use alternatives like "this is expected to be", "this is probably going to be", or "this is likely to be" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "this will likely be" the same as "this is likely to be"?

While similar, "this will likely be" focuses on a future outcome, while "this is likely to be" can refer to a current state with future implications. The difference is subtle but can affect the precise meaning.

When should I avoid using "this will likely be"?

Avoid using "this will likely be" if the outcome is uncertain or based on speculation rather than solid evidence. In those cases, consider using less definitive phrases such as "this might be" or "this could be".