15秒でわかる
- A polite way to say 'probably' or 'most likely.'
- Used to make predictions while staying cautious and professional.
- Perfect for office settings or serious discussions with friends.
意味
This phrase is a fancy way of saying 'probably' or 'most likely.' You use it when you are pretty sure something will happen, but you want to sound polite or cautious just in case you are wrong.
主な例文
3 / 6Discussing a work deadline
In all likelihood, we will finish the project by Friday afternoon.
Most likely, we will finish the project by Friday afternoon.
Predicting the weather for a picnic
In all likelihood, the rain will hold off until we get home.
It probably won't rain until we are back.
Formal dinner planning
The guest of honor will, in all likelihood, arrive a few minutes late.
The guest will probably be late.
文化的背景
This expression stems from a long-standing tradition of 'understatement' in English-speaking cultures. It became popular in legal and academic writing during the 19th century to show intellectual humility. Today, it is a staple of 'corporate-speak' used to avoid making absolute promises that could lead to trouble later.
The Comma Rule
If you start a sentence with `In all likelihood`, always put a comma after it. It helps the listener pause and prepare for your prediction.
Don't Overuse It
Using this in every sentence makes you sound like a lawyer. Save it for one or two key points in a conversation to keep your speech natural.
15秒でわかる
- A polite way to say 'probably' or 'most likely.'
- Used to make predictions while staying cautious and professional.
- Perfect for office settings or serious discussions with friends.
What It Means
Think of in all likelihood as a safety net for your predictions. It means there is a very high chance of something being true. However, it leaves a tiny bit of room for error. It sounds much more sophisticated than just saying 'maybe.' It suggests you have thought about the facts. You aren't just guessing blindly. You are making an educated prediction.
How To Use It
You usually put this phrase at the start of a sentence. You can also tuck it between the subject and the verb. For example, In all likelihood, the meeting will be short. It acts as a modifier for the whole idea. It tells your listener how certain you are. It is like adding a 'high probability' sticker to your statement. Use it when you want to sound professional or thoughtful.
When To Use It
Use it when you are about 80% to 90% sure of something. It is perfect for the office when discussing deadlines. Use it with friends when planning a weekend trip. It works well when predicting the weather or sports results. If you say In all likelihood, it will rain, you sound like a local expert. It is great for managing expectations without sounding too aggressive.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for things that are 100% certain. If you are holding a cup of coffee, don't say In all likelihood, I am holding coffee. That just sounds weird! Avoid it in very high-energy, casual slang conversations. Your friends might think you are acting like a university professor. Also, don't use it if you are totally unsure. If it is a 50/50 toss-up, stick to maybe or perhaps.
Cultural Background
English speakers, especially in the UK and North America, love 'hedging.' This means we avoid being too direct to stay polite. Being too certain can sometimes seem arrogant or risky. If you promise something and fail, you look bad. By using in all likelihood, you protect your reputation. It shows you are a reasonable person who knows life is unpredictable. It has a slightly 'old-school' gentlemanly feel to it.
Common Variations
You might hear people say in all probability which is almost identical. If you want to be shorter, use most likely. For a more casual vibe, try odds are. If you want to sound even more certain, you can say in all honesty. But be careful, that changes the meaning to being truthful! Stick to in all likelihood for predictions. It is the gold standard for polite certainty.
使い方のコツ
This phrase sits firmly in the 'formal' to 'neutral' register. It is highly effective in written reports or when speaking to a superior to show you are making a reasoned judgment rather than a wild guess.
The Comma Rule
If you start a sentence with `In all likelihood`, always put a comma after it. It helps the listener pause and prepare for your prediction.
Don't Overuse It
Using this in every sentence makes you sound like a lawyer. Save it for one or two key points in a conversation to keep your speech natural.
The 'Polite Escape'
Native speakers use this phrase to avoid 'losing face.' If you say something will happen and it doesn't, you can say, 'Well, I did say in all likelihood!'
例文
6In all likelihood, we will finish the project by Friday afternoon.
Most likely, we will finish the project by Friday afternoon.
Softens the commitment so the speaker isn't blamed if there is a small delay.
In all likelihood, the rain will hold off until we get home.
It probably won't rain until we are back.
Shows optimistic but cautious reasoning about the weather.
The guest of honor will, in all likelihood, arrive a few minutes late.
The guest will probably be late.
Used mid-sentence to sound more elegant and prepared.
In all likelihood, I'll be there around 8 PM.
I'll probably be there at 8.
Adds a touch of 'adulting' to a casual text message.
In all likelihood, the cat is currently plotting my demise.
The cat is probably planning something bad.
Uses formal language for a silly situation to create comedic contrast.
In all likelihood, your keys are just hiding under the sofa cushions.
Your keys are probably under the sofa.
Provides a sense of calm and logical reassurance.
自分をテスト
Choose the best phrase to complete the professional prediction.
___, the stock market will recover by the end of the quarter.
This phrase fits the professional tone required for financial predictions.
Where is the most natural place to insert the phrase in this sentence?
The concert ___, will be sold out within minutes.
Placing the phrase between the subject and the verb is a common, sophisticated structure.
🎉 スコア： /2
ビジュアル学習ツール
Formality Scale of Probability
Used with close friends
Probably...
Standard daily use
Most likely...
Professional or polite
In all likelihood...
When to use 'In All Likelihood'
Office Meetings
Predicting sales targets
Weather Forecasts
Guessing if it will snow
Polite Excuses
Explaining a possible delay
Logical Guesses
Finding lost items
練習問題バンク
2 問題___, the stock market will recover by the end of the quarter.
This phrase fits the professional tone required for financial predictions.
The concert ___, will be sold out within minutes.
Placing the phrase between the subject and the verb is a common, sophisticated structure.
🎉 スコア： /2
よくある質問
10 問Yes, the meaning is the same, but the 'vibe' is different. Probably is casual and common, while in all likelihood sounds more educated and formal.
You can, but it might sound a bit sarcastic or overly serious. For example, In all likelihood, I'm going to eat this whole pizza is a funny way to use formal language for a silly action.
Technically yes, but it is much less common. Stick to likelihood as it sounds more natural to native ears.
No, it is usually around 80-90% certainty. It specifically leaves a small window open for the possibility that things might change.
It usually goes at the very beginning, like In all likelihood, we're late. You can also put it after the first verb: We are, in all likelihood, going to be late.
It is used in both! It is a standard part of International English, especially in business and journalism.
It isn't 'better,' just more formal. Use most likely for daily chores and in all likelihood for presentations or important emails.
People sometimes forget the 'all.' Saying In likelihood is incorrect. Always use the full three-word phrase.
Usually, we use it for the future or present. However, you can use it to guess about the past: In all likelihood, he forgot his keys.
Actually, it's the opposite! It sounds humble because you are admitting that you aren't 100% sure of the future.
関連フレーズ
In all probability
Essentially a twin of 'in all likelihood'; very formal and high certainty.
Odds are
A more casual, slightly 'gambling' way to say something is likely.
Chances are
A very common, neutral way to discuss probability.
Dollars to doughnuts
An old-fashioned, idiomatic way to say you are very sure of something.
