will likely be

USAGE SUMMARY

"will likely be" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to suggest that something is probable or certain to happen. For example, "The party will likely be a great success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The costs will likely be very high.

The New York Times

Another easier trail will likely be chosen.

The New York Times

And Balmain will likely be no exception.

Independent

Future robots will likely be similar.

The New Yorker

Aid will likely be temporary.

The New York Times

Within days she will likely be famous.

The Guardian

Who will likely be Ms. Couric's successor?

The New York Times

"Next year will likely be flat.

The New York Times

But Skyping will likely be blocked.

The Guardian - Business

Santorum will likely be beaten by Romney.

The Guardian

Anderson's role will likely be different.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When indicating a lower degree of certainty, consider using phrases like "may be" or "might be" instead.

Common error

While appropriate in many situations, avoid overuse of "will likely be" in highly formal or academic writing. Instead, opt for more precise language that directly states the basis for your prediction, such as "is expected to be due to" or "is projected to be based on".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "will likely be" functions as a modal phrase used to express a strong degree of probability or expectation regarding a future state or event. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

21%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "will likely be" is a grammatically correct and very common way to express a strong probability about a future event. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English. It is primarily used in news and media, science, and wiki contexts. While versatile, it's advisable to choose more precise language for highly formal writing. When aiming for similar meanings, options like "is expected to be" or "is probable to be" can provide nuanced variations. Understanding these contexts and alternatives will enhance your writing precision and effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is probable to be

Replaces the modal "will" with "is" and uses "probable" instead of "likely", resulting in a slightly more formal tone.

is expected to be

Shifts the focus to expectation rather than likelihood, implying a basis for the anticipation.

is anticipated to be

Similar to "is expected to be", but suggests a more formal or official expectation.

is poised to be

Implies readiness or preparation for a particular outcome, suggesting a higher degree of certainty.

is apt to be

Uses "apt" as a synonym for "likely", resulting in a slightly less common expression.

can be expected to be

Adds an element of possibility to the expectation, making it slightly less certain.

is liable to be

Suggests a potential negative consequence or obligation, whereas "will likely be" is neutral.

we can anticipate

Shifts the sentence to first person, from an impersonal one.

it's reasonable to assume

Introduces a level of subjectivity and justification. This also changes the tone of the sentence.

chances are it will be

Replaces the formal "will likely be" with a colloquial expression.

FAQs

How can I use "will likely be" in a sentence?

You can use "will likely be" to express a strong probability about a future event, such as "The project "will likely be" completed on time" or "The weather "will likely be" sunny tomorrow".

What are some alternatives to "will likely be"?

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

Is it more correct to say "will likely be" or "is likely to be"?

Both "will likely be" and "is likely to be" are grammatically correct. "Will likely be" emphasizes future action, while "is likely to be" emphasizes current probability. Use "will likely be" for future-oriented statements and "is likely to be" for current assessments.

What is the difference between "will likely be" and "might be"?

"Will likely be" indicates a high probability, while "might be" suggests a possibility, but with less certainty. For example, "The outcome "will likely be" positive" implies a strong expectation of success, whereas "The outcome "might be" positive" indicates only a potential for success.