unlikely to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unlikely to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a low probability or expectation of something happening. Example: "Given the current circumstances, it is unlikely to rain tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's unlikely to change.

The New York Times

That seems unlikely to come.

The Economist

This is unlikely to work.

The Economist

This looks unlikely to happen.

The Economist

They look unlikely to succeed.

The Economist

That is unlikely to change.

The Economist

That is unlikely to happen.

The New York Times

They are unlikely to listen.

The Economist

This is unlikely to happen.

The New York Times

Politicians are unlikely to dare.

The Economist

They unlikely to ease soon.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unlikely to", ensure the context clearly establishes the basis for the low probability. Specify the factors contributing to the unlikelihood to provide a more informed perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "unlikely to" when the outcome is definitively impossible or highly improbable based on concrete evidence. Opt for stronger phrases like "impossible to" or "certain not to" for greater accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unlikely to" functions as an adjective phrase followed by an infinitive, serving to express a prediction or assessment of a low probability of a future event or action. Ludwig's examples illustrate this function across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unlikely to" is a commonly used phrase to express a low probability or expectation of something happening. As shown in Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in News & Media. For alternative expressions, consider "not expected to" or "improbable that". When using "unlikely to", provide context to explain the reasons for the low probability, and avoid using it in situations where the outcome is already certain. Ludwig AI confirms the correct usage and broad applicability of this phrase across various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not expected to

Emphasizes a lack of anticipation or expectation for a particular event.

improbable that

Highlights the low probability of something occurring.

not liable to

Suggests a lack of predisposition or tendency towards a specific action or outcome.

doubtful that

Indicates uncertainty and a low level of confidence in a potential event.

not anticipated to

Focuses on the lack of foresight or planning for a particular event.

scarcely possible to

Emphasizes the extreme difficulty and low chance of something happening.

hardly likely to

Expresses a minimal chance of a particular outcome, close to impossible.

remote chance of

Suggests a distant and minimal possibility.

against all odds

Highlights that something is happening despite very unfavorable conditions or predictions.

defies expectation to

Indicates a result that goes against what was generally predicted or hoped for.

FAQs

How can I use "unlikely to" in a sentence?

The phrase "unlikely to" is used to express that something probably won't happen. For example: "It is unlikely to rain today" or "They are unlikely to succeed".

What are some alternatives to saying "unlikely to"?

You can use alternatives such as "not expected to", "improbable that", or "doubtful that" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "unlikely to" and "impossible to"?

"Unlikely to" suggests a low probability, while "impossible to" indicates that something cannot occur under any circumstances. "Unlikely to" leaves room for a small chance, while "impossible to" does not.

Is it grammatically correct to say "not likely to" instead of "unlikely to"?

Yes, saying "not likely to" is grammatically correct and conveys the same meaning as "unlikely to". Both phrases express a low probability of something happening.