which is likely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which is likely" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the probability of something happening. For example: "I have been told that the new store opening next year is likely to be a great success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The war which is likely to break out shortly is not like the second world war.

The Guardian

which is likely to cause confusion..

Harvard University

Which is likely to have the longer term consequences?

The New Yorker

Which is likely to preserve the most jobs?

The Guardian - Opinion

A ROS is a highly volatile compound, which is likely to damage cells.

Stanford University

Both appointments require the approval of the Security Council, which is likely.

The New York Times

A palaeographer can help determine which is likely to be the most authentic.

The Guardian

Arcadia retained a further £40m of inter-company debt which is likely to be written off.

The Guardian - Business

None of which is likely to hurt City's prospects of springing a mild upset.

The Guardian - Sport

The deal still needs regulatory approval, which is likely to come this year.

The New York Times

$6 on registration, which is likely to include whatever online registration system they use.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "which is likely" when you want to indicate that something has a good chance of happening based on the available evidence or current circumstances. It's suitable for formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "which is likely" is versatile, overuse in formal writing can make your tone sound less assertive. In such cases, consider stronger alternatives like "is expected to" or "will certainly".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which is likely" functions as a relative clause providing additional information about a noun or situation. It indicates a probability or expectation regarding the subject it modifies. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples that highlight its use in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

15%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "which is likely" is a versatile and commonly used relative clause that indicates a degree of probability or expectation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness across various contexts, particularly in news, academic writing, and scientific reports. While it's generally suitable, more assertive language may be preferable in highly formal settings. The phrase functions to qualify statements and suggest a higher probability than other possibilities, adding nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that will probably

Uses 'probably' to directly indicate a high likelihood.

that is probable

Replaces 'likely' with 'probable', emphasizing a strong chance of occurrence.

that may well

Emphasizes possibility and expectation, implying a good chance of occurrence.

that is expected

Substitutes 'likely' with 'expected', focusing on anticipation based on current conditions.

that is anticipated

Similar to 'expected' but carries a slightly more formal tone.

that is plausible

Indicates that something is believable or has a reasonable chance of happening.

that is possible

Suggests that something can occur, although it may not be highly probable.

that is liable to

Emphasizes a tendency or predisposition toward a certain outcome.

that is inclined to

Similar to 'liable to', but with a slightly weaker connotation of probability.

that tends to

Suggests a habitual or common pattern of behavior or occurrence.

FAQs

How can I use "which is likely" in a sentence?

You can use "which is likely" to describe the probability of something happening. For example, "The deal still needs regulatory approval, "which is likely" to come this year."

What are some alternatives to "which is likely"?

Alternatives include "that is probable", "that is expected", or "that is possible", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "which is likely" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, using stronger, more decisive language may be preferable in certain formal contexts to enhance the impact of your statement. Consider using phrases like "is expected to" or "will certainly" instead.

What is the difference between "which is likely" and "which is possible"?

"Which is likely" implies a higher degree of probability than "which is possible". "Possible" simply means something can happen, whereas "likely" suggests it's more probable than not.