The word ‘likely’ is commonly used in English conversations, writing, and media, yet its full meaning and usage can sometimes be confusing. It is a versatile word that helps express probability, expectation, or chances of something happening. Whether you are learning English or simply want to improve your language skills, understanding the meaning of ‘likely’ and how to use it correctly is essential. This topic will provide a comprehensive explanation of ‘likely,’ including its definitions, grammatical functions, examples, and related expressions to give you a clear and practical understanding.
What Does ‘Likely’ Mean?
At its core, ‘likely’ describes the probability that an event or situation will happen or is true. It indicates that something is expected or considered probable but not certain. In simple terms, when you say something is ‘likely,’ you mean it has a good chance of occurring.
The word ‘likely’ is used to express the speaker’s judgment about the chances of an outcome based on available information or logical reasoning.
Different Forms and Functions of ‘Likely’
‘Likely’ can function as an adjective, adverb, and sometimes even as a noun in specific contexts, making it a flexible word in English.
- As an Adjective: ‘Likely’ describes something that is probable or expected. Example: ‘It is likely to rain today.’
- As an Adverb: It modifies a verb, indicating probability. Example: ‘She will likely arrive late.’
- As a Noun (Less Common): Refers to a person who is expected to succeed or perform well, such as ‘a likely candidate.’
Using ‘Likely’ in Sentences
Understanding how to use ‘likely’ in different sentence structures helps in speaking and writing clearly and effectively.
‘Likely’ as an Adjective
When used as an adjective, ‘likely’ is often followed by an infinitive verb (to + verb) to express what is expected to happen.
- ‘It is likely to snow this evening.’
- ‘The likely winner of the contest is John.’
- ‘This is the most likely explanation for the problem.’
‘Likely’ as an Adverb
As an adverb, ‘likely’ generally appears before the main verb or at the end of a sentence.
- ‘They will likely finish the project on time.’
- ‘He likely forgot about the meeting.’
- ‘You will likely hear from them soon.’
Common Phrases and Expressions with ‘Likely’
Here are some common phrases using ‘likely’ that you might encounter in everyday English:
- Most likely: Used to describe the highest probability. Example: ‘She is most likely coming to the party.’
- More likely: Used when comparing probabilities. Example: ‘It is more likely to rain tomorrow than today.’
- Likely as not: An informal phrase meaning probably or in all probability. Example: ‘Likely as not, he forgot about the appointment.’
- Likely candidate: Refers to someone expected to achieve or be chosen for something. Example: ‘She is a likely candidate for the scholarship.’
Synonyms of ‘Likely’
Depending on the context, you can use other words with similar meanings:
- Probable
- Expected
- Possible
- Apparent
- Presumed
These synonyms can help diversify your vocabulary while keeping the meaning intact.
Differences Between ‘Likely’ and Other Similar Words
While ‘likely’ shares some similarities with words like ‘possible’ and ‘probable,’ it is important to understand the nuances that distinguish these words.
- Likely vs. Possible: ‘Possible’ means something can happen, but it doesn’t indicate how probable it is. ‘Likely’ suggests a higher chance or expectation. For example, ‘It is possible it will rain tomorrow’ vs. ‘It is likely it will rain tomorrow.’
- Likely vs. Probable: Both mean something is expected, but ‘probable’ is often used in formal or scientific contexts, while ‘likely’ is more common in everyday speech.
How to Use ‘Likely’ in Questions and Negatives
‘Likely’ can also be used in questions and negative sentences to express doubt or uncertainty.
- Question: ‘Is it likely to snow this weekend?’
- Negative: ‘It is not likely that they will arrive on time.’
- Short form: ‘They’re unlikely to attend the meeting.’
Why ‘Likely’ Is Important in Communication
Using ‘likely’ appropriately allows you to express opinions about chances and expectations in a clear and nuanced way. Whether you are making predictions, discussing possibilities, or giving advice, ‘likely’ helps convey your message with the right degree of certainty.
For example, in weather forecasts, news reports, or casual conversations, ‘likely’ informs the listener or reader about how confident you are regarding future events. This helps avoid misunderstandings and provides a realistic outlook.
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Examples of ‘Likely’ in Different Contexts
Here are some sentences from various contexts to illustrate how ‘likely’ can be used:
- Weather: ‘It is likely to rain this afternoon, so take an umbrella.’
- Health: ‘If you don’t rest, you’re likely to get sick.’
- Business: ‘The company is likely to announce new products next month.’
- Education: ‘She is the most likely candidate for the scholarship.’
- Everyday Conversation: ‘He’s likely to arrive late because of the traffic.’
In summary, ‘likely’ is a versatile and important word in English that expresses probability, expectation, or the chance that something will happen. It can function as an adjective, adverb, and occasionally a noun, and is commonly used in daily conversations, writing, and formal contexts. Understanding how to use ‘likely’ correctly can improve your communication by making your statements clearer and more precise about possibilities. By recognizing the different forms, common expressions, and subtle differences between ‘likely’ and related words, you can confidently use this word in various situations.