Prédire l'avenir : Utiliser 'Likely' et 'Unlikely' (Hédging)
probabilité, ajoutant de la nuance et de la sophistication à ton anglais. Très C1 !
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 ou probably. Ils conviennent pour envoyer un SMS à votre colocataire à propos d'une pizza, mais ils ne suffisent pas lorsque vous rédigez une thèse ou négociez un contrat.It is likely/unlikely that montre que vous comprenez les nuances de la certitude. Cela vous donne l'air plus professionnel, réfléchi et — honnêtement — plus proche d'un locuteur natif qui sait que la vie est rarement sûre à 100 %. Voyez cela comme le 'haussement d'épaules professionnel' sous forme de phrase.How This Grammar Works
likely (ou unlikely) agissant comme un adjectif. Un piège courant consiste à penser que likely est un adverbe car il se termine par '-ly', mais dans ces structures spécifiques, il décrit la probabilité d'une situation globale. Vous avez deux façons principales de construire ces phrases.It is likely that [something happens]. C'est génial parce que cela met l'accent sur l'événement lui-même. C'est objectif.He is likely to [do something]. Cela semble un peu plus direct et est extrêmement courant en anglais parlé.It is highly unlikely that they survive this episode. Ou, si vous êtes plus direct : They are unlikely to survive. Les deux sont de l'or pur C1, mais la version `It is...
Formation Pattern
It.
to be (généralement is, mais peut être was ou will be).
likely ou unlikely.
that (c'est le pont).
It + is + likely + that + the event will be sold out.
Subject réel dont vous parlez.
to be (conjugué selon le sujet).
likely ou unlikely.
to-infinitive de votre verbe principal.
The tickets + are + unlikely + to be available.
likely/unlikely.
highly, very, extremely, ou most pour plus d'emphase.
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 vous fait passer pour un génie stratégique qui identifie les risques. Tout est question d' 'atterrissage en douceur'. Vous verrez également cela constamment dans les reportages et les articles académiques.It is likely that car cela les protège des poursuites si une prédiction ne se réalise pas. Dans votre vie sociale, utilisez-le pour des choses comme les projets de voyage ou les tendances virales. 'Est-ce que TikTok va être banni ?' → It's unlikely that it will happen overnight.It's unlikely that you'll finish without a few blisters, ce qui semble bien plus gentil que 'Tu vas échouer'. C'est la grammaire de l' 'optimiste réaliste' — vous espérez le meilleur, mais vous êtes prêt à ce que les données disent le contraire.
Common Mistakes
It is..., vous DEVEZ utiliser that suivi d'une phrase complète (une proposition). Si vous voulez utiliser 'him', vous devez passer à l'autre structure : He is likely to win. Un autre classique est d'oublier complètement le verbe to be. 'It likely that...' ressemble à un robot en panne. N'oubliez pas le is. Soyez également prudent avec le mot probably. Bien que likely et probably signifient des choses similaires, leur grammaire est totalement différente. Vous pouvez dire 'I will probably go', mais vous ne pouvez pas dire 'I will likely go' en anglais britannique standard (bien que les Américains le fassent tout le temps). Lors des examens formels, traitez likely comme un adjectif qui nécessite le verbe to be. Enfin, ne nuancez pas trop ! Si vous dites It is possibly likely that maybe..., vous aurez l'air d'avoir une crise de confiance. Choisissez un niveau de probabilité et tenez-vous-y.Contrast With Similar Patterns
will ou is bound to.It is likely that. Si vous êtes sûr à 50 %, vous optez pour It is possible that ou might. Likely est le juste milieu de la probabilité.possible mais plus doux que certain. Comparé à probably, likely donne l'impression d'être basé sur des preuves externes plutôt que sur une simple intuition. Si vous dites 'I’ll probably be late', on dirait que vous gérez mal votre temps.It is likely that I will be late, on dirait qu'il y a un énorme embouteillage que vous avez analysé sur Google Maps. Il y a aussi It is expected that, qui est utilisé pour des choses qui *devraient* arriver en raison d'un horaire ou d'une promesse, alors que likely concerne purement la probabilité. L'utilisation de likely/unlikely donne à votre anglais un côté poli et analytique qui manque parfois aux modaux simples comme could ou may.Quick FAQ
R: Absolument ! C'est parfait pour les comparaisons. It is more likely that I’ll stay in than go to the club.
R: Très similaire ! I doubt that est plus personnel et subjectif. It is unlikely that ressemble plus à un fait objectif. Utilisez ce dernier pour les rapports ou les présentations.
R: Dans la rédaction formelle, oui. Dans les SMS informels, les gens l'omettent souvent : 'It's likely he'll call later'. Mais pour votre examen C1, gardez le that !
R: Oui ! It was unlikely that the team would win, but they did. N'oubliez pas de mettre également vos autres verbes au passé.
R: 'Highly likely' est juste un peu plus formel et sonne plus 'C1'. C'est comme la différence entre porter un sweat à capuche et un blazer. Les deux fonctionnent, mais l'un est plus chic.
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
| Structure | Signification | Exemple (Likely) | Exemple (Unlikely) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
It is + likely/unlikely + that-clause
|
Probabilité d'une situation/un événement
|
It is likely that prices will rise.
|
It is unlikely that they will agree.
|
|
Subject + be + likely/unlikely + to-infinitive
|
Probabilité de l'action d'un sujet
|
She is likely to get the job.
|
He is unlikely to finish today.
|
|
It is + more/less likely + that-clause
|
Probabilité plus/moins élevée d'une situation
|
It is more likely that he's busy.
|
It is less likely that she heard.
|
|
Subject + be + more/less likely + to-infinitive
|
Probabilité plus/moins élevée de l'action d'un sujet
|
We are more likely to succeed.
|
They are less likely to complain.
|
|
Likely as an adjective (less common, formal)
|
Probable, attendu
|
A likely outcome.
|
An unlikely scenario.
|
Spectre de formalité
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)
Nuancer avec Likely & Unlikely
Haute probabilité
- Likely It is likely that...
Faible probabilité
- Unlikely It is unlikely that...
Formation 1
- It is + adj + that-clause It is likely that you'll succeed.
Formation 2
- Subject + be + adj + to-inf You are likely to succeed.
Likely vs. Probably
Choisir la structure Likely/Unlikely
Parles-tu de la probabilité d'une situation ou d'un événement général ?
Le sujet de 'be' est-il le même que le sujet de l'action ?
Contextes d'utilisation
Prédictions
- • Prévisions météo
- • Résultats d'élections
- • Marché boursier
Attentes
- • Délais de projet
- • Résultats d'examens
- • Plans sociaux
Opinions prudentes
- • Stratégies commerciales
- • Théories académiques
- • Conseils personnels
Contextes formels
- • Rapports
- • Présentations
- • Papiers de recherche
Exemples par niveau
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.
Facile à confondre
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.
Erreurs courantes
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.
Structures de phrases
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!
Adjectif vs. Adverbe
is likely). 'Probably' est un adverbe (par ex., will probably). Ne les mélange pas sans changer la structure de ta phrase ! He will probably arrive soon.
N'oublie pas le 'to'
She is likely winest une erreur courante ; il faut dire
She is likely to win.
Renforce tes nuances
It is highly likely that they will succeed.
La politesse de l'incertitude
It is likely that we will need more time.
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.
Prononciation
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.
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
L-I-K-E-L-Y: Look Into Known Evidence, Logically Yielding (a prediction).
Association visuelle
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
Défi
Write three predictions for your life in five years using 'likely to', 'unlikely to', and 'highly likely that'.
Notes culturelles
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'.
Amorces de conversation
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?
Sujets d'écriture
Erreurs courantes
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.
Choose the correct sentence:
Score: /3
Exercices pratiques
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
FAQ (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
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