How to Use “Likely” in English

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

If something is likely, it means that it will probably happen or is probably true.

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

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

What does “likely” mean?

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

Common structures with “likely”

1. 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.

2. It is likely that + clause

This structure is slightly more formal.

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.

3. likely with seem and appear

We often use likely with verbs such as seem and appear.

• It seems likely that they’ll cancel the trip.
• He appears likely to win the election.
• The project seems likely to take longer than expected.

4. likely before a noun

We can also use likely before a noun, especially with words such as result, explanation, cause, winner and candidate.

• The most likely result is a draw.
• That’s the most likely explanation.
• She is the most likely candidate for the job.
• The most likely cause of the problem is human error.

Likely with adverbs

We often use likely with adverbs such as:

very / highly / quite / most / more / 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.
• People who exercise regularly are less likely to get ill.
• Our department is the least likely to finish first.

More than likely

More than likely means very likely or almost certain. It is common in spoken English.

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

Comparing people and groups

We often use more likely and less likely when we compare people, groups or situations.

• Young drivers are more likely to have accidents.
• Online shoppers are more likely to buy things they don’t need.
• People who sleep well are less likely to feel tired during the day.
• Students who practise regularly are more likely to improve quickly.

Unlikely: the opposite of likely

The opposite of likely is unlikely.

Unlikely means probably not.

Examples:

• 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.
• She is unlikely to change her mind.

Common mistakes with “likely”

Be careful with the structure after likely.

Correct:

• She is likely to pass the exam.

Incorrect:

• She is likely pass the exam.

Correct:

• It is likely that prices will rise.

Incorrect:

• It is likely prices to rise.

Also, don’t confuse likely with like.

Likely means probable.

Like is used to talk about preference or similarity.

Exam tip: B2 / C1

Using likely, unlikely, more likely and less likely can make your writing sound more natural, precise and advanced. These words are especially useful in essays, reports, articles and formal discussions.

Instead of repeating maybe or probably, try using patterns such as:

• It is likely that…
• It seems likely that…
• This is unlikely to…
• People are more likely to…
• Students are less likely to…

These structures will help you express probability more clearly and confidently in English.

Related posts:

Modal Verbs of Probability 

Alternatives to “IF” in English 

Making Generalisations in English: Useful Phrases and Examples

How to Write an Essay for B2 First (FCE) 

How to Write a C1 Advanced Essay 

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