Be likely to
Definition
Be likely to expresses probability. The subject is followed by a form of be, likely, and a to-infinitive: The road is likely to close. The related impersonal pattern is It is likely that....
Examples
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The meeting is likely to finish late.
The speaker considers a late finish probable.
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People are more likely to remember unusual stories.
A comparative degree of probability is expressed with more likely.
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The repairs were likely to cost more than expected.
The past form reports an earlier assessment of probability.
Subject pattern vs. it + that-clause
The company is likely to announce changes.
The probable participant becomes the subject.
It is likely that the company will announce changes.
The full proposition appears in a that-clause.
The two patterns are often close in meaning, but the first places the participant directly in subject position.
Likelihood can be graded and negated
Very, quite, more, less, most and least can modify likely. The negative form unlikely expresses low probability.
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The second option is far more likely to succeed.
The phrase compares two levels of probability.
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The error is unlikely to affect the final result.
Unlikely expresses that the effect is not probable.
Common mistakes
The train likely to be delayed.
The train is likely to be delayed.
The pattern requires a form of be.
It is likely the prices rise.
It is likely that prices will rise.
The impersonal pattern normally uses a complete that-clause.
Quick check
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence correctly expresses probability?
The pattern is be likely to + base verb.Which impersonal pattern is correct?
Use It is likely that + complete clause.Which sentence expresses lower probability?
Be unlikely to + base verb expresses low probability.Nice work — you've completed the quick check.
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