very likely to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very likely to" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to express the probability that something will happen or take place. For example, "Given its popularity, this new movie is very likely to become a box office hit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

People who think like this are very likely to vote.

Huffington Post

Mr Kabila is very likely to win.

The Economist

Today he is very likely to die.

The Economist

But that's very likely to change.

The Guardian - Film

But Relaford is still very likely to make the team.

The New York Times - Sports

The same is very likely to happen with Heathrow.

The Guardian - Opinion

But Mr. Miller's petition is very likely to succeed nonetheless.

The New York Times

What, you don't think that is very likely to happen?

The New Yorker

Neither possibility seems very likely to investors at the moment.

The New York Times

Insiders say the extension is "very likely to be given".

The Guardian - Business

"The 2012 election is very likely to be incredibly tight.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "very likely to", ensure the context clearly supports the high probability you are conveying. Avoid overuse by varying your language with synonyms like "highly probable to" or "almost certain to".

Common error

Be cautious of using "very likely to" when the situation involves considerable uncertainty. Overstating the probability can mislead your audience, so accurately reflect the degree of certainty with phrases like "possibly" or "potentially" if the outcome is less assured.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very likely to" functions as a modal adjunct, expressing a high degree of probability or expectation. It modifies a verb phrase to indicate the speaker's belief that something will happen, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very likely to" is a versatile phrase used to express a strong expectation or probability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and general writing. While highly useful, it's important to ensure the level of certainty conveyed aligns with the available evidence, and to vary your language by using synonyms like "highly probable to" or "almost certain to" to avoid repetition. Remembering these points will help you effectively use "very likely to" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highly probable to

Emphasizes a stronger degree of certainty compared to "very likely to".

almost certain to

Suggests a near-absolute certainty, stronger than a high likelihood.

all but certain to

Similar to almost certain, emphasizes a very high degree of confidence.

likely to happen

A more direct and slightly less formal way of expressing likelihood.

bound to

Implies inevitability or a predetermined outcome.

prone to

Indicates a tendency or inclination towards something, implying a predisposition.

inclined to

Suggests a leaning or preference, indicating a probable course of action.

with a good chance of

Highlights the favorable odds or prospects of something occurring.

poised to

Suggests readiness and anticipation, indicating a likely imminent event.

on track to

Indicates progress and momentum, suggesting a high probability of reaching a goal.

FAQs

How can I use "very likely to" in a sentence?

"Very likely to" is used to express a high probability or expectation. For example, "Given the current data, the company is "very likely to exceed" its projected earnings."

What are some alternatives to "very likely to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "highly probable to", "almost certain to", or "likely to happen". Each phrase conveys a slightly different nuance of probability.

Is it grammatically correct to say "very likely to"?

Yes, the phrase "very likely to" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both formal and informal writing to indicate a strong possibility.

When is it inappropriate to use "very likely to"?

Avoid using "very likely to" when there is significant uncertainty or limited evidence. In such cases, using words like "possibly" or "potentially" would be more accurate and appropriate.