which is most likely

USAGE SUMMARY

"which is most likely" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to specify something out of a group of possibilities, or to refer to a chance of something happening or being true. For example: "This new technology, which is most likely to revolutionize the industry, is currently being developed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And then there is the tablet computer, which is most likely waiting in the wings from companies like Dell and Apple.

The New York Times - Tech

If you'd like to find out which is most likely, ask a fucking economist.

Huffington Post

We also sense that Homeserve is approaching an end game with the [regulator], which is most likely to be 'positive'positive

The Guardian - Business

But we'll have to take each day as it comes -- which is, most likely, how the noble term patient originated.

The New York Times - Health

That would leave one spot in the A.F.C., which is most likely going to go to the Indianapolis Colts.

The New York Times

And then there is flying into objects, which is most likely what killed the birds in Arkansas.

The New York Times - Science

Running for commissioner will cost money, which is most likely to come from political parties (meaning that party hacks predominate).

The Economist

"If they decide that they need our services, which is most likely, we are available," he said.

The New York Times

These tragedies heavily scorched the poems of his fourth book, the one which is most likely to endure and for which he is most famous, Crow.

The Guardian - Books

Taylor Swift's monthly budget for lipstick and designer handbags, which is most likely zero, because she probably gets all of these things sent to her for free.

The New Yorker

So all the more reason why governments need to back the 'green' economy, which is most likely to generate growth and employment.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "which is most likely" to introduce the most plausible explanation or outcome when presenting multiple possibilities. This helps guide the reader's understanding and expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "which is most likely" when the context requires certainty. This phrase implies uncertainty and should not be used to state definitive facts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which is most likely" functions as a relative clause modifying a noun or pronoun, introducing the most probable or plausible option from a set of possibilities. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "which is most likely" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to indicate the most probable option among several. According to Ludwig, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific domains. It serves to guide readers or listeners towards the most plausible conclusion. When employing this phrase, ensure it aligns with the context of uncertainty and avoids implying absolute certainty. Alternatives such as "which is most probable" may be used to convey similar meanings. Remembering these nuances will help you effectively utilize "which is most likely" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

which is mostly likely

An alternative that rewords the expression slightly while retaining the core meaning.

which is most probable

Replaces 'likely' with 'probable', emphasizing a high degree of chance or expectation.

which is particularly likely

Adds emphasis with 'particularly', suggesting a notable degree of likelihood.

which is quite likely

Uses 'quite' to indicate a substantial degree of likelihood, but potentially less certain than 'most'.

which explains most likely

Alters the structure to emphasize that something provides the best explanation.

which is most prone

Highlights a tendency or susceptibility towards something, rather than a general likelihood.

which is most capable

Shifts focus from probability to the potential or ability to achieve a specific outcome.

which is most feasible

Emphasizes the practicality and achievability of a particular option or outcome.

which is most able

Similar to 'capable' but focuses more on inherent ability or skill.

which is most susceptible

Implies a vulnerability or openness to being affected by something.

FAQs

How to use "which is most likely" in a sentence?

Use "which is most likely" to introduce the most probable outcome or explanation when presenting several possibilities. For example: "Given the evidence, the first hypothesis, "which is most likely", seems the most plausible."

What can I say instead of "which is most likely"?

You can use alternatives such as "which is most probable", "which is most plausible", or "which is most expected" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "which is mostly likely" grammatically correct?

"Which is mostly likely" is sometimes used, but ""which is most likely"" is generally preferred and considered more grammatically correct. Pay attention to the subtle distinction and prefer the more standardized version.

What's the difference between "which is likely" and "which is most likely"?

"Which is likely" indicates a general probability, whereas ""which is most likely"" suggests the highest degree of probability among several options. The latter implies a comparison.