What Does "be likely to" Mean?
- What it expresses: It is a semi-auxiliary expression used to indicate probability or prediction. It suggests that a specific outcome is expected based on current evidence or trends.
- What part of the sentence it typically modifies: It functions as a predicate adjective construction that modifies the subject of the sentence, linking it to a future action or state (the following infinitive verb).
- Register: It is generally neutral to formal. While common in everyday speech, it is a staple of journalism, academic writing, and professional reporting.
How to Use It
- Typical sentence positions: It almost exclusively occupies the mid-position, appearing after the subject and the verb "to be". Placing it at the beginning or end of a sentence is grammatically incorrect.
- What it modifies and how it changes the meaning of a sentence: It shifts a definitive statement (e.g., "It will rain") into a probabilistic one ("It is likely to rain"), adding a layer of nuanced expectation.
- Grammatical flexibility: It is highly flexible with tenses (is/was/will be likely to) and works well in questions and negations. However, it cannot be fronted like an adverb (you cannot say "Likely to, he will come").
- What sounds unnatural or incorrect: Using it without the verb "to be" or followed by a gerund (e.g., "He likely going") sounds unidiomatic to native speakers.
Real-World Examples
These examples are sourced from be likely to on Ludwig.guru.
"Such a process would be likely to take several years." — theguardian.com
"Where would such a character be likely to hide?" — theguardian.com
"The economy would be likely to pick up." — economist.com
"Many parents would be likely to disagree." — theguardian.com
"More gridlock would be likely to follow." — nytimes.com
Similar Phrases and Alternatives
| Phrase |
Context |
| be expected to |
Suggests a stronger degree of anticipation or a social obligation. |
| be prone to |
Used specifically for negative tendencies or frequent occurrences. |
| be liable to |
Often implies a risk or a legal responsibility for an outcome. |
| probably |
A more casual adverbial alternative that can move more freely in a sentence. |
| be poised to |
Suggests that someone is ready and likely to act immediately. |
| be bound to |
Expresses a much higher level of certainty or inevitability. |
Common Mistakes
- Wrong Scope: Using "likely" as a pure adverb (e.g., "He likely will go") is common in American English but is often considered less formal than the "be likely to" construction.
- Infinitive Errors: Learners often omit the 'to' or mistakenly use a gerund instead of an infinitive, such as saying 'it is likely raining' instead of 'it is likely to rain'.
- Missing Copula: Forgetting the verb "to be" (e.g., "The results likely to change") renders the sentence a fragment.
Quick-Reference Summary
| Expression |
Function |
Register |
Typical Position |
| be likely to |
Expresses probability |
Neutral / Formal |
Mid-position (after 'be') |
FAQs
Where in a sentence should be likely to appear?
The expression be likely to should typically appear in the mid-position of a sentence, following the subject and the copula verb (am, is, are, was, were). It acts as a bridge between the subject and the main infinitive verb that describes the probable action.
How does be likely to differ from using probably?
While probably is a flexible adverb that can often move around a sentence, be likely to is a more structured adjectival phrase. Using be likely to often feels more formal and objective than using the adverbial alternative.
Is it correct to say it is likely raining?
No, this is a frequent error where learners mistakenly use a gerund instead of an infinitive. You must always use the full infinitive form, meaning you should say it is likely to rain or it is likely to be raining to be grammatically correct.