will likely return

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "will likely return" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a probability or expectation that someone or something will come back in the future. Example: "After the meeting, she mentioned that she will likely return to the office by noon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

This refers to the fact that based on the stream of dividends that company shares will likely return to investors they are undervalued relative to other financial assets like government debt and corporate bonds.

Independent

Rove's associates are working on the campaign, and Bush has already raised more than a million dollars for Cornyn, and will likely return to Texas to do more.

The New Yorker

The administration was eager to embrace the outcome of the surgery as good news — Kirchner won't have to swallow radioactive iodine and will likely return to work shortly.

The New York Times

Regular five-eighth Luke Keary will likely return from suspension to replace him for Saturday night's clash with Newcastle, partnering with Cody Walker in the halves.

The Guardian - Sport

The summit conversation will likely return to Russia as the five leaders look for ways to fully implement the Minsk deal that halted the Ukraine war.

The Guardian

More than four million women gave birth in the United States in the past year, and more than sixty per cent of them will likely return to work within another twelve months.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

I helped make history, but like most millennials, I'll likely return to spending 10 hours a day online, fishing for self-esteem via Facebook likes.

Huffington Post

"I'm at risk of doing more damage to my knee and my meniscus, so I'm going to play it safe and race really minimal races," said Vonn, adding that she'll likely return to racing in January.

Los Angeles Times

And yet, if you spend your entire time away parked on a lounge chair sipping piña coladas, you'll likely return home bloated, lethargic and carrying a few extra pounds as souvenirs.

Huffington Post

We had to ignore most of the policy ideas themselves, which we'll likely return to in the coming weeks and months (as the 2016 presidential race heats up).

Huffington Post

Asking for advice will show that you trust your friends, and they'll likely return the sentiment.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "will likely return" when indicating a high probability of someone or something coming back, based on current information or trends.

Common error

In highly formal or academic writing, consider using alternatives like "is expected to return" or "is anticipated to return" to maintain a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "will likely return" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a future action with a high degree of probability. It suggests a strong expectation that someone or something will come back or revert to a previous state. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "will likely return" is a grammatically sound and very common expression used to convey a strong probability of a future return or recurrence. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, ranging from news and media to more informal settings. While versatile, it's essential to consider the specific tone required for formal writing, where alternatives like "is expected to return" might be more appropriate. The phrase's high frequency and consistent usage across authoritative sources underscore its reliability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is expected to return

Emphasizes an expectation or anticipation of a return.

is anticipated to return

Suggests a return is foreseen or predicted, often based on specific factors.

is projected to return

Implies a return is forecast based on available data or trends.

is slated to return

Indicates a return is scheduled or planned.

is poised to return

Suggests the subject is in a state of readiness or preparation to return.

is apt to return

Expresses a natural tendency or likelihood of returning.

is liable to return

Indicates a possibility or risk associated with a return.

is bound to return

Implies a return is inevitable or certain.

is predisposed to return

Suggests an inherent inclination or tendency to return.

is apt to reappear

Highlights a potential, almost random or unexpected return. More suitable to describe phenomena than people.

FAQs

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

You can use "will likely return" to express a strong possibility of someone or something coming back. For example: "After the surgery, the patient "will likely return" to normal activities within a month".

What phrases are similar to "will likely return"?

Similar phrases include "is expected to return", "is anticipated to return", or "is projected to return". The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "will likely return" or "is expected to return"?

"Will likely return" is slightly less formal than "is expected to return". Use "is expected to return" in professional or academic contexts for a more authoritative tone.

What's the difference between "will likely return" and "might return"?

"Will likely return" suggests a higher probability than "might return". "Will likely return" indicates a strong expectation based on current circumstances, while "might return" expresses a possibility without a strong basis.