very likely true

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very likely true" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a high probability or strong belief that something is accurate or correct. Example: "Based on the evidence presented, it is very likely true that the theory holds merit."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

This is very likely true.

The Guardian

The first is when Alice remarks "Why, I wouldn't say anything about it, even if I fell off the top of the house!" and the narrator adds wryly "Which was very likely true".

The Guardian - Books

These are both very likely true.

Forbes

Here's another rumor for you, but one that is very likely true based on what we're hearing from multiple sources: AOL is buying Thing Labs.

TechCrunch

These results showed that the newly identified miRNAs are very likely true miRNAs.

BMC Genomics

This suggests that our conclusion is very likely true in comparing the mapping resolutions by using a single NAM population or joint NAM populations.

BMC Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

This much is safe to say: The secretary of tourism's prediction of five million visitors in 2007 will very likely come true.

The New York Times - Travel

The Beirut-based opposition blogger and journalist Shakeeb al-Jabri noted that while many antigovernment activists in Syria have access to the Web through other means, that is very likely not true for many of the government's supporters.

The New York Times

That will very likely be true if current borrowing trends hold steady: according to the S.B.A., for the first four months of the government's 2012 fiscal year (which began in October), 7(a) loan approvals totaled $4.3 billion.

The New York Times

It should be noted though that for lack of data, follow-up MRT's or CT's have not been included in our study, making it very likely that true costs have rather been higher than shown in this study.

Health Economics Review

We must immediately add that to believe (or assert) that if A, B, is not to believe (assert) that it is true; for it is true only if A&B; and one might believe that if A, B, and properly assert it, without believing that A&B — indeed, while thinking that it is very likely not true.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "very likely true" to express a strong degree of confidence in the accuracy or correctness of a statement or fact. It's suitable when there is substantial evidence or reasoning to support the claim, but absolute certainty is not possible.

Common error

Avoid using "very likely true" when the evidence is weak or purely speculative. It is crucial to ensure that the level of confidence reflected by the phrase aligns with the strength of the supporting evidence. Overusing this phrase can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very likely true" functions as an epistemic qualifier, indicating a high degree of probability or confidence in the truth of a statement. Ludwig's examples confirm its use in both scientific and general contexts to express a strong belief in accuracy.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "very likely true" is a grammatically correct and usable expression for indicating a high degree of probability or confidence in the accuracy of a statement. Ludwig's AI confirms its appropriateness across various contexts, primarily in science and news media. While not as common as simpler alternatives, it serves a valuable function in conveying qualified certainty. When using this phrase, ensure the strength of your evidence aligns with the level of confidence it implies, and explore alternatives like "highly probable" or "almost certainly true" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highly probable

Emphasizes the high degree of probability.

almost certainly true

Highlights the near certainty of the statement.

most likely accurate

Focuses on the accuracy and probability.

very possibly correct

Emphasizes possibility and correctness.

plausibly factual

Stresses plausibility and factual nature.

in all likelihood correct

Formally conveys a strong likelihood of correctness.

it stands to reason that it's true

Indicates a logical basis for believing something is true.

one can reasonably assume it's true

Suggests a reasonable basis for assuming truth.

it is reasonably certain that it is true

Emphasizes a high degree of certainty.

it's hard to imagine it not being true

Implies a strong belief in the truth of something due to difficulty in conceiving the opposite.

FAQs

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

You can use "very likely true" to express a high degree of confidence in a statement's accuracy. For example, "Based on the data, it's "very likely true" that the new policy will improve efficiency."

What are some alternatives to "very likely true"?

Alternatives include "highly probable", "almost certainly true", or "most likely accurate", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "very likely true" or "likely true"?

"Very likely true" indicates a stronger degree of confidence than "likely true". Use "very likely true" when you have substantial evidence supporting your claim.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "very likely true"?

It's inappropriate to use "very likely true" when the evidence is weak or when you're merely speculating. The phrase implies a level of certainty that should be supported by evidence or strong reasoning.