was likely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was likely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a probability or expectation regarding a past event or situation. Example: "The project was likely to succeed given the team's expertise and resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Neither failure was likely.

The New York Times

was likely to face.

The New Yorker

A draw was likely.

The Guardian - Sport

This was likely intentional.

The Guardian - Sport

He was likely starting to breathe easier".

The New York Times - Books

He was likely unmoved by the last.

The New Yorker

Pragmatism was likely the deciding factor.

The Economist

He did not say recession was likely.

The Economist

No quick agreement was likely.

The New York Times

Mahmud was likely killed instantly.

The New Yorker

Its owner was likely dead.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was likely" to express a reasonable degree of certainty based on available evidence, but avoid overstating the conclusion without concrete proof.

Common error

Avoid using "was likely" when expressing pure speculation or conjecture without any factual basis. Instead, use phrases like "might have been" or "could have been" to indicate uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was likely" functions as an auxiliary verb phrase modifying a verb or adjective, expressing a degree of probability or expectation about a past event or state. It softens a statement, indicating a belief based on available evidence, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

29%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was likely" serves as a versatile tool for expressing probability or expectation concerning past events. As validated by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and enjoys widespread use across diverse contexts, especially in news, scientific, and general writing. While it conveys a sense of informed judgment, writers should avoid overstating certainty without sufficient evidence. Recognizing its function and register, as well as common misuse scenarios, empowers effective communication. Understanding the range of alternative phrases and their nuances enhances the precision and adaptability of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

probably was

Reverses the order of words, emphasizing the adverb "probably".

most likely was

Adds emphasis to the likelihood, suggesting it's the most plausible scenario.

it appeared likely

Emphasizes the appearance or impression of likelihood.

it is probable that it was

Transforms the phrase into a more formal and explicit expression of probability.

it seemed probable that it was

Adds an element of perception or impression regarding the likelihood of something.

it is reasonable to assume it was

Suggests a logical basis for believing something was probable.

the chances were high it was

Focuses on the odds or probability of an event occurring.

it could reasonably be assumed that it was

Expresses a more cautious and reasoned assessment of the situation's likelihood.

it is quite possible it was

Indicates a possibility that something happened, without a strong degree of certainty.

the expectation was that it was

Shifts the emphasis to anticipated outcome or a belief about what would happen.

FAQs

How can I use "was likely" in a sentence?

Use "was likely" to express a reasonable expectation or probability about a past event based on available evidence. For example, "The delay "was likely due to" unforeseen circumstances".

What are some alternatives to "was likely"?

Alternatives include "was probably", "it is probable that it was", or "it appeared likely", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Which is more accurate, "was likely" or "was certain"?

"Was likely" suggests a high probability but not a guarantee, while "was certain" indicates complete assurance. The choice depends on the level of confidence supported by the evidence. If you are not 100% sure, use "was likely".

What's the difference between "was likely" and "was possible"?

"Was likely" indicates a greater chance of occurrence than "was possible". "Was possible" simply means that something could have happened, while "was likely" suggests it probably did.