How to Use “Likely”

How to Use “Likely” in English (with Examples & Common Patterns)

Hello English learners, and welcome to a new lesson! Today, we’re going to look at how to use “likely” — a very common and very useful word in English, especially when you want to talk about probability (how probable something is).

If something is likely, it means it will probably happen or is probably true. In other words, likely means probably.

What does “likely” mean?

We use likely to say that something has a good chance of happening or being true.

It’s likely to rain. = It will probably rain.

She’s likely to be late. = She will probably be late.

Common structures with “likely”

a) be likely to + verb

This is the most common structure.

be + likely + to + verb

• It is likely to snow tonight.
• He is likely to forget about the meeting.
• The company is likely to close this branch.
• The walls of the shed look likely to fall apart.

b) It is likely that + clause

This is a slightly more formal structure.

It is likely that + subject + verb

• It is likely that we will move to Canada.
• It is likely that prices will rise next year.
• It is very likely that she will get the job.

c) likely with verbs like seem and appear

• It seems likely that they’ll cancel the trip.
• He appears likely to win the election.

d) likely before a noun

• The most likely result is a draw.
• That’s the most likely explanation.

Likely with adverbs (very, highly, etc.)

Very common collocations:

very / highly / quite / most / less / least likely

• It is very likely that they’ll take the train.
• It seems highly likely that she’ll be promoted.
• Our team is quite likely to win.
• The most likely explanation is a technical error.
• Breastfed babies are less likely to develop allergies.
• Our department is the least likely to finish first.

“More than likely”

More than likely means almost certain.

• The picnic is more than likely to be cancelled because of the weather.
• He’s more than likely to forget again.

Comparing people and groups

We often use more likely / less likely to compare:

• Women are more likely to buy things they don’t need.
• Young drivers are more likely to have accidents.
• People who exercise regularly are less likely to get ill.

Unlikely (the opposite of likely)

Unlikely means probably not

• It is unlikely that we’ll get to Oxford before 9.
• This plan is unlikely to succeed.
• It’s very unlikely that I’ll get this job.

Exam tip (B2 / C1)

Using likely / unlikely / more likely / less likely makes your writing more natural, more precise and more advanced-sounding. It is much better than repeating maybe or probably all the time.

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