Prediciendo el Futuro: Usando 'Likely' y 'Unlikely' (Cobertura)
precisión, añadiendo matices y sofisticación a tu inglés.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'likely' and 'unlikely' to express probability with more precision and formality than 'maybe' or 'probably'.
- Use 'Subject + be + likely + to + verb' for personal predictions: 'He is likely to win.'
- Use 'It + be + likely + that + clause' for general situations: 'It is likely that prices will rise.'
- Modify with 'highly', 'more than', or 'very' to adjust the strength of the prediction.
Overview
It is likely that the price will go up.maybe o probably. Estas están bien para enviarle un mensaje de texto a tu compañero de cuarto sobre la pizza, pero no son suficientes cuando escribes una tesis o negocias un contrato.It is likely/unlikely that demuestra que comprendes los matices de la certeza. Te hace sonar más profesional, reflexivo y, sinceramente, más como un hablante nativo que sabe que la vida rara vez es 100% segura. Piénsalo como el 'encogimiento de hombros profesional' en forma de frase.How This Grammar Works
likely (o unlikely) actuando como un adjetivo. Una trampa común es pensar que likely es un adverbio porque termina en '-ly', pero en estas estructuras específicas, describe la probabilidad de toda una situación. Tienes dos formas principales de construir estas oraciones.It is likely that [something happens]. Esto es genial porque pone el foco en el evento en sí. Es objetivo.He is likely to [do something]. Esto se siente un poco más directo y es extremadamente común en el inglés hablado.It is highly unlikely that they survive this episode. O, si eres más directo: They are unlikely to survive. Ambas son oro puro de nivel C1, pero la versión `It is...
Formation Pattern
It.
to be (normalmente is, pero puede ser was o will be).
likely o unlikely.
that (este es el puente).
It + is + likely + that + the event will be sold out.
Subject real del que estás hablando.
to be (conjugado según el sujeto).
likely o unlikely.
to-infinitive de tu verbo principal.
The tickets + are + unlikely + to be available.
likely/unlikely.
highly, very, extremely o most para dar más énfasis.
It is highly likely that your cat is judging you right now.
When To Use It
It is unlikely that the project will meet the deadline te hace sonar como un genio estratégico que identifica riesgos. Se trata de un 'aterrizaje suave'. También verás esto constantemente en informes de noticias y artículos académicos.It is likely that porque les protege de demandas si una predicción no se cumple. En tu vida social, úsalo para cosas como planes de viaje o tendencias virales. '¿Van a prohibir TikTok?' → It's unlikely that it will happen overnight.It's unlikely that you'll finish without a few blisters, que suena mucho mejor que 'Vas a fracasar'. Es la gramática del 'optimista realista': esperas lo mejor, pero estás preparado para lo que digan los datos.
Common Mistakes
It is..., DEBES usar that seguido de una oración completa (una cláusula). Si quieres usar 'him', tienes que cambiar a la otra estructura: He is likely to win. Otro clásico es olvidar el verbo to be por completo. 'It likely that...' suena como un robot estropeado. No olvides el is. También, ten cuidado con la palabra probably. Aunque likely y probably significan cosas similares, su gramática es totalmente diferente. Puedes decir 'I will probably go', pero no puedes decir 'I will likely go' en inglés británico estándar (aunque los estadounidenses lo hacen todo el tiempo). En los exámenes formales, trata likely como un adjetivo que necesita el verbo to be. Por último, ¡no te pases de matización! Si dices It is possibly likely that maybe..., parece que estás teniendo una crisis de confianza. Elige un nivel de probabilidad y mantenlo.Contrast With Similar Patterns
will o is bound to.It is likely that. Si estás un 50% seguro, optas por It is possible that o might. Likely es el punto óptimo de la probabilidad.possible pero más suave que certain. Comparado con probably, likely se siente más como si estuviera basado en pruebas externas en lugar de solo en una corazonada. Si dices 'I’ll probably be late', suena a que simplemente eres malo con el tiempo.It is likely that I will be late, suena a que hay un atasco masivo que has analizado en Google Maps. También está It is expected that, que se usa para cosas que *deberían* suceder debido a un horario o una promesa, mientras que likely se trata puramente de probabilidad. Usar likely/unlikely le da a tu inglés un toque pulido y analítico del que a veces carecen los modales simples como could o may.Quick FAQ
P: ¿Puedo decir 'It is more likely that'?
R: ¡Absolutamente! Es perfecto para comparaciones. It is more likely that I’ll stay in than go to the club.
P: ¿Es 'It is unlikely that' lo mismo que 'I doubt that'?
R: ¡Muy parecido! I doubt that es más personal y subjetivo. It is unlikely that suena más como un hecho objetivo. Usa esto último para informes o presentaciones.
P: ¿Siempre necesito el 'that'?
R: En la escritura formal, sí. En mensajes de texto informales, la gente suele saltárselo: 'It's likely he'll call later'. Pero para tu examen C1, ¡mantén el that!
P: ¿Puedo usarlo en tiempo pasado?
R: ¡Sí! It was unlikely that the team would win, but they did. Solo recuerda cambiar también tus otros verbos al pasado.
P: ¿Cuál es la diferencia entre 'highly likely' y 'very likely'?
R: 'Highly likely' es solo un poco más formal y suena más a nivel 'C1'. Es como la diferencia entre llevar una sudadera y una americana. Ambas funcionan, pero una es más elegante.
Forming Predictions with 'Likely'
| Subject | Verb 'to be' | Likelihood | Infinitive/Clause |
|---|---|---|---|
|
I
|
am
|
likely
|
to attend
|
|
You
|
are
|
unlikely
|
to fail
|
|
It
|
is
|
highly likely
|
that it will rain
|
|
We
|
are
|
more than likely
|
to win
|
|
They
|
were
|
unlikely
|
to have known
|
|
The results
|
are
|
likely
|
to be significant
|
Common Contractions
| Full Form | Contracted Form |
|---|---|
|
It is likely
|
It's likely
|
|
They are unlikely
|
They're unlikely
|
|
I am not likely
|
I'm not likely
|
Meanings
The words 'likely' and 'unlikely' function as adjectives in English to indicate the probability of an event occurring. They are essential for 'hedging'—the practice of making cautious or vague statements to avoid over-generalization.
Predictive Adjective
Used to describe the probability of a future action or state.
“A recession is likely in the coming months.”
“It is unlikely that the team will recover from this loss.”
Academic Hedging
Used in research and formal reports to present findings as probable rather than absolute truths.
“The data suggests that these results are likely to be replicated.”
“It is highly unlikely that the variables are unrelated.”
Adverbial Usage (US English)
In American English, 'likely' is often used as an adverb meaning 'probably'.
“They'll likely arrive around six.”
“He will most likely decline the offer.”
Reference Table
| Estructura | Significado | Ejemplo (Likely) | Ejemplo (Unlikely) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
It is + likely/unlikely + that-clause
|
Probabilidad de una situación/evento
|
It is likely that prices will rise.
|
It is unlikely that they will agree.
|
|
Subject + be + likely/unlikely + to-infinitive
|
Probabilidad de la acción de un sujeto
|
She is likely to get the job.
|
He is unlikely to finish today.
|
|
It is + more/less likely + that-clause
|
Mayor/menor probabilidad de una situación
|
It is more likely that he's busy.
|
It is less likely that she heard.
|
|
Subject + be + more/less likely + to-infinitive
|
Mayor/menor probabilidad de la acción de un sujeto
|
We are more likely to succeed.
|
They are less likely to complain.
|
|
Likely as an adjective (less common, formal)
|
Probable, esperado
|
A likely outcome.
|
An unlikely scenario.
|
Espectro de formalidad
It is highly likely that I shall be delayed. (Professional vs. Casual communication)
I am likely to be late. (Professional vs. Casual communication)
I'll likely be late. (Professional vs. Casual communication)
Prob gonna be late. (Professional vs. Casual communication)
Matizando con Likely & Unlikely
Alta Probabilidad
- Likely It is likely that...
Baja Probabilidad
- Unlikely It is unlikely that...
Formación 1
- It is + adj + that-clause It is likely that you'll succeed.
Formación 2
- Subject + be + adj + to-inf You are likely to succeed.
Likely vs. Probably
Eligiendo la Estructura de Likely/Unlikely
¿Estás hablando de la probabilidad de una situación o evento general?
¿El sujeto de 'be' es el mismo que el sujeto de la acción?
Contextos de Uso
Predicciones
- • Pronóstico del tiempo
- • Resultados electorales
- • Mercado de valores
Expectativas
- • Plazos de proyectos
- • Resultados de exámenes
- • Planes sociales
Opiniones Cautelosas
- • Estrategias de negocio
- • Teorías académicas
- • Consejos personales
Entornos Formales
- • Informes
- • Presentaciones
- • Trabajos de investigación
Ejemplos por nivel
It is likely.
It is likely.
Is it likely?
Is it likely?
It is unlikely.
It is unlikely.
Very likely.
Very likely.
The train is likely to be late.
The train is likely to be late.
It is likely that he is at home.
It is likely that he is at home.
She is unlikely to come to the party.
She is unlikely to come to the party.
Are you likely to finish today?
Are you likely to finish today?
We are likely to see more rain this week.
We are likely to see more rain this week.
It's unlikely that they will change their minds.
It's unlikely that they will change their minds.
Is it likely to cost a lot of money?
Is it likely to cost a lot of money?
He is not likely to win the race.
He is not likely to win the race.
The government is likely to introduce new taxes.
The government is likely to introduce new taxes.
It is highly unlikely that the error was accidental.
It is highly unlikely that the error was accidental.
They are more than likely to accept the offer.
They are more than likely to accept the offer.
The project is unlikely to be completed on time.
The project is unlikely to be completed on time.
Such a scenario is highly likely to provoke a strong reaction.
Such a scenario is highly likely to provoke a strong reaction.
It is increasingly likely that the policy will be reversed.
It is increasingly likely that the policy will be reversed.
The findings are unlikely to have a significant impact on the field.
The findings are unlikely to have a significant impact on the field.
Is it not likely that the witness was mistaken?
Is it not likely that the witness was mistaken?
In all likelihood, the merger will proceed as planned.
In all likelihood, the merger will proceed as planned.
The candidate is singularly unlikely to garner enough support.
The candidate is singularly unlikely to garner enough support.
It remains highly likely that further interventions will be required.
It remains highly likely that further interventions will be required.
Were the results to be skewed, a re-evaluation would be likely.
Were the results to be skewed, a re-evaluation would be likely.
Fácil de confundir
Learners use 'likely' as an adverb without a modifier, which sounds unnatural in some dialects.
Both can mean 'probable', but 'liable' often implies a negative or legal responsibility.
Learners use 'likely' when they are 100% certain.
Errores comunes
I likely go.
I will probably go.
It likely.
It is likely.
Is likely?
Is it likely?
Very likely rain.
It is very likely to rain.
He is likely go.
He is likely to go.
It is likely that rain.
It is likely that it will rain.
I am unlikely for come.
I am unlikely to come.
He will likely to win.
He is likely to win.
It is likely him to win.
He is likely to win.
The likely result is it wins.
The likely result is that it will win.
He likely won't come.
He is unlikely to come.
It is likely that he comes tomorrow.
It is likely that he will come tomorrow.
The highly likelyhood of success.
The high likelihood of success.
It is unlikely for there to be a problem.
It is unlikely that there will be a problem.
Patrones de oraciones
Subject + be + likely + to + ___
It + is + ___ + likely + that + ___
___ + is + unlikely + to + ___
In all likelihood, ___
Real World Usage
Showers are likely in the afternoon.
We are likely to exceed our targets this quarter.
The treatment is likely to cause some fatigue.
They are unlikely to make a comeback at this stage.
It is likely that the results were influenced by sample size.
I'm likely to be a bit late, don't wait up!
Adjetivo vs. Adverbio
is likely). 'Probably' es un adverbio (por ejemplo, will probably). ¡No los mezcles sin cambiar la estructura! ("Remember likely is an adjective, always needing 'to be' before it (e.g., is likely). Probably is an adverb (e.g., will probably). Don't mix them up in sentences without structure changes!")No Olvides 'to'
She is likely wines un error común; lo correcto es
She is likely to win.
Acentúa tu Matiz
Combine likely/unlikely with adverbs like highly, very, quite, more, or less to fine-tune the degree of probability. This adds even more nuance to your predictions.)Cortesía en la Incertidumbre
Smart Tips
Switch from 'I think it will...' to 'It is likely that...'.
Use the 'Subject + be likely to' structure to keep the focus on the person.
Use 'more than likely' instead of just 'likely'.
Remember that 'Is it unlikely...?' is asking if something is NOT going to happen.
Pronunciación
Likely
Two syllables. Stress on the first syllable.
Unlikely
Three syllables. Stress on the second syllable.
Rising-Falling on 'Likely'
He is LIKELY to win. ↘
Conveys a confident prediction.
Memorízalo
Mnemotecnia
L-I-K-E-L-Y: Look Into Known Evidence, Logically Yielding (a prediction).
Asociación visual
Imagine a weather vane pointing towards a rain cloud. The vane represents 'likely'—it's not raining yet, but the evidence (the wind) suggests it will.
Rhyme
If it's likely to be, it's a future we see; if it's unlikely to occur, the vision is a blur.
Story
A cautious scientist named Dr. Hedge never says 'will'. When asked if the volcano will erupt, he says, 'It is likely to erupt, but it is unlikely to happen today.' He keeps his job because he is never wrong, just 'likely' right.
Word Web
Desafío
Write three predictions for your life in five years using 'likely to', 'unlikely to', and 'highly likely that'.
Notas culturales
British speakers are very fond of hedging to avoid appearing too direct or aggressive. Using 'likely' is a key part of polite, professional disagreement.
In the US, 'likely' is frequently used as an adverb (e.g., 'He likely forgot'). This is less common in formal British English.
In global academic culture, using 'likely' is a sign of intellectual humility and scientific rigor.
From Middle English 'likly', meaning 'having the appearance of being true'.
Inicios de conversación
What are you likely to do this weekend?
Is it likely that AI will replace most jobs in the next decade?
Which team is likely to win the next World Cup?
In your opinion, is it likely that we will discover life on other planets soon?
Temas para diario
Errores comunes
Test Yourself
Given the traffic, we are ___ to arrive late for the movie.
Find and fix the mistake:
It unlikely that the flight will be delayed.
Elige la frase correcta:
Score: /3
Ejercicios de practica
8 exercisesThe prices are ___ to rise next month.
Which sentence is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
She likely to win the race.
I don't think it will rain.
Match the following:
A: Do you think they'll accept the offer? B: It's ___.
Identify the adjective:
likely / is / to / the / be / late / flight
Score: /8
Practice Bank
11 exercisesThe new game update is ___ to fix many of the existing bugs.
He likely will be late because of traffic.
Which sentence uses 'unlikely' correctly?
Translate into English: 'Es muy probable que llueva mañana.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match the sentence beginnings with appropriate endings:
The concert tickets are selling fast, so it's ___ that they'll be available much longer.
Our professor likely will give us an extension.
Select the correct sentence:
Translate: 'Es improbable que lo terminemos a tiempo.'
Put the words in the right order:
Score: /11
Preguntas frecuentes (8)
Yes, especially in American English (e.g., 'He likely forgot'). However, in formal British English, it is better to use it as an adjective ('He is likely to have forgotten') or add a modifier ('He very likely forgot').
'Unlikely' is an adjective that feels a bit more formal and direct. 'Not likely' is simply the negation of the adjective 'likely'. Both are common, but 'unlikely' is preferred in academic writing.
Usually, yes. Since you are making a prediction, the 'that' clause needs a future marker like `will` or `is going to`. Example: `It is likely that he will win.`
Yes, 'likely' is generally considered more formal and objective, making it the preferred choice for reports, news, and academic papers.
Absolutely. 'Most likely' is a very common way to say 'almost certainly'. It can be used as an adverbial phrase: 'Most likely, we will stay home.'
This is a formal idiom that means 'almost certainly' or 'very probably'. It is a great phrase to use at the start of a sentence in C1-level writing.
Yes, by using the perfect infinitive: 'He is likely to have arrived by now.' This means it is probable that he arrived in the past.
Yes, it has a negative meaning (low probability), but it is grammatically affirmative. You don't need to add 'not' to 'unlikely'.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Es probable que + subjunctive
Spanish requires the subjunctive mood.
Il est probable que + indicative/subjunctive
Nuance between probability and possibility affects mood.
Wahrscheinlich / Voraussichtlich
German prefers adverbs over the 'be likely to' adjective structure.
〜そうだ (sou da) / 〜らしい (rashii)
Japanese uses grammatical particles and suffixes rather than a 'to be' adjective structure.
من المحتمل أن (min al-muhtamal an)
Arabic uses a prepositional phrase structure.
很可能 (hěn kěnéng)
Chinese lacks the complex infinitive/clause distinction found in English.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Videos relacionados
07:45 Is it time to worry about bird flu?
06:27 Was Alexander the Great really that great? - Stephanie Honchell Smith
06:52 What happens to your brain without any social contact? - Terry Kupers
ALL Grammar for ADVANCED (C1 Level) English in 12 minutes in 2025
English with Lucy
This grammar structure will help you reach an advanced English level. C1/C2 English
To The Point English with Ben.
Related Grammar Rules
Modismos de Éxito: Comienzos Rápidos y Grandes Resultados (Hit the Ground Running, Bear Fruit)
Overview ¿Alguna vez has empezado un videojuego nuevo y has sabido inmediatamente para qué sirven todos los botones? ¿O...
Uso de 'Probably', 'Perhaps' y 'Possibly' en inglés (Hedging)
Overview ¿Alguna vez has enviado un mensaje diciendo `I'll be there at 8` y luego te has dado cuenta de que a las 7:45...
Modismos de Conflicto: Luchar y Hacer las Paces (En desacuerdo, Enterrar el Hacha de Guerra)
Overview ¿Alguna vez has intentado decidir qué serie de Netflix ver con tu mejor amigo, pero tú querías una película de...
Modismos ingleses de cambio (Turn Over a New Leaf & Sea Change)
Overview ¿Alguna vez te has prometido que finalmente empezarías esa aplicación de ejercicios el lunes? Tal vez borraste...
Decisiones y Tiempos: Estar indeciso y Precipitarse
### Overview Dominar el inglés a un nivel C1 no se trata simplemente de conocer más vocabulario o estructuras gramatica...
