while it is likely that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "while it is likely that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a statement that suggests a probability or expectation regarding a situation or outcome. Example: "While it is likely that the project will be completed on time, unforeseen circumstances could still arise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

All the while, it is likely that both the ABC board and its management were charging their glasses.

The Guardian - Opinion

While it is likely that a lot of those votes will transfer to him, winning an additional 29 percentage points will be hard.

The Guardian - Opinion

While it is likely that online catalogs are the future for both companies, bibliophiles may miss the collectible aspect of some past sales publications.

The New York Times - Arts

While it is likely that Parliament will approve the bill, the Council of State, France's highest legal authority, has signaled that it may be unconstitutional.

The New York Times

"While it is likely that human activity is contributing to climate change, I am not sure how much, or what we can do to significantly reduce or reverse this effect," Mr. Romney wrote.

The New York Times

And while it is likely that more and more swaths of the spectrum will become unlicensed over time, Mr. Thomas said he was doubtful that the spectrum would ever be completely open.

The New York Times - Tech

While it is likely that Kyoto will dominate conference discussions and media headlines in the days and weeks ahead, for many countries and individuals around the world a new pathway has opened up – one we should all now follow.

The Guardian - Opinion

This supports why the graphyne composed of C18H6t was already synthesized, while it is likely that the graphynes composed of C18H6h and C18H6p could also be synthesized.

Carbon

While it is likely that CF IFNs represent Type I IFNs, several characteristics preclude assigning these cytokines to any particular subfamily.

Fish & Shellfish Immunology

While it is likely that industry efforts have achieved results beyond those noted in our review validating such technologies in clinical studies remains critical.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

While it is likely that the military will continue to be the driving force for this project, future plans are unclear at this time.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "while it is likely that" to introduce a statement that suggests a reasonable expectation, but acknowledge a contrasting or potentially mitigating factor. This helps to create balanced and nuanced arguments.

Common error

Avoid using "while it is likely that" when the outcome is virtually certain or highly predictable. Reserve this phrase for situations where there is a genuine possibility of an alternative outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "while it is likely that" serves as a concessive adverbial clause introducer. It sets up a statement that acknowledges a degree of probability or expectation while simultaneously introducing a contrasting element or condition, balancing the assertion. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

58%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "while it is likely that" is a versatile tool in the English language used to express probability alongside an element of contrast or concession. Ludwig AI data indicate that it is grammatically sound and frequently employed in both scientific and news contexts. The phrase effectively balances expectations and introduces nuanced perspectives. When using "while it is likely that", consider the level of certainty you wish to convey and ensure that the contrasting element is relevant and significant. Be wary of using it when the outcome is already highly certain to avoid sounding unnecessarily cautious. Alternative phrases, such as "although it is probable that" or "even though it is plausible that", can offer subtle variations in tone and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

although it is probable that

Replaces "likely" with "probable", offering a slightly more formal tone while maintaining the core meaning.

while it seems probable that

Replaces "is likely" with "seems probable", emphasizing the appearance of probability.

even though it is plausible that

Substitutes "likely" with "plausible", suggesting something is believable but not necessarily certain.

whilst it is conceivable that

Uses "whilst" instead of "while", and "conceivable" instead of "likely", indicating something is imaginable or possible.

granted it is possible that

Starts with "granted", acknowledging a fact before introducing a possibility.

admittedly it is conceivable that

Begins with "admittedly", conceding a point before introducing a possibility.

although there's a good chance that

Uses a more informal tone, replacing "is likely that" with "there's a good chance that".

even if it's reasonable to assume that

Suggests a logical basis for the assumption, differing slightly in nuance from a simple likelihood.

while it is not unreasonable to think that

Expresses a weaker level of probability, suggesting something is not illogical, but not necessarily probable.

despite the odds, it is still possible that

Highlights a contrast with unfavorable conditions, emphasizing the remaining possibility.

FAQs

How can I use "while it is likely that" in a sentence?

Use "while it is likely that" to introduce a statement that expresses a probable outcome or situation, while simultaneously acknowledging a contrasting element. For instance, "While it is likely that the economy will improve, several factors could impede progress".

What are some alternatives to "while it is likely that"?

You can use alternatives like "although it is probable that", "even though it is plausible that", or "whilst it is conceivable that", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to use "while" and "likely" together?

No, the combination is not necessarily redundant. "While" introduces a contrast or concession, while "likely" indicates probability. Using them together acknowledges both a potential condition and a degree of uncertainty or expectation.

What's the difference between "while it is likely that" and "while it is possible that"?

"While it is likely that" suggests a higher degree of probability or expectation compared to "while it is possible that". The former implies a reasonable chance of occurrence, while the latter merely indicates that something is not impossible, even if improbable.