C1 Advanced Syntax 14 min read Hard

Predicting the Future: Using 'Likely' and 'Unlikely' (Hedging)

Master 'likely' and 'unlikely' to precisely express probability, adding nuance and sophistication to your English.
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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.
👤 + 🅱️ + 📈/📉 + (un)likely + 🔗 to + 🎬 Verb

Overview

Sometimes we are not 100% sure. We use special words for this.

Use likely and unlikely to say what might happen.

Use these words at work or with friends. They show careful thinking.

These words help you sound smart. You do not sound too strong.

How This Grammar Works

Likely means something will probably happen. It is almost sure.
Unlikely means something will probably not happen. Use is or are.
These words talk about what might happen. They are very useful.
He is likely to go is a very good sentence. It is clear.

Formation Pattern

1
You can use these words in two ways.
2
Way 1: It is likely that...
3
Start with It to talk about a general idea.
4
Pattern: It is likely that plus a small sentence.
5
You can skip the word that with your friends.
6
Use this way to talk about the event itself.
7
Examples:
8
It is likely that the new policy will face strong opposition. (Focus on the probability of the policy facing opposition.)
9
Example: It was unlikely they knew the secret.
10
Example: It is likely that computers will change the world.
11
Way 2: Person + is likely to + do something.
12
This way talks about a specific person or thing.
13
Pattern: [Person] is likely to [do something].
14
The person at the start does the action.
15
Use this way for people or specific things.
16
Examples:
17
Example: The boss is likely to talk tomorrow.
18
Our team is unlikely to meet the revised deadline. (Our team is the one that will not meet.)
19
The outdated system is very likely to experience further glitches.
20
Summary of Structures:
21
Two ways to use these words:
22
|:----------------------------------|:-------------------------------------------------|:--------------------------------------------------|
23
It is likely that prices will go up.
24
Prices are likely to go up.
25
Gradation and Intensifiers:
26
Use words like very to show how sure you are.
27
| Extra word | Meaning | Example |
28
|:-------------|:----------------------|:---------------------------------------------------------------|
29
| very | Increased | The research is very likely to yield groundbreaking results. |
30
| highly | Strongly Increased | It's highly unlikely they'll compromise on that point. |
31
| extremely | Maximally Increased | It's extremely likely the flight will be delayed. |
32
| quite | Moderately Increased | He's quite likely to change his mind if you persuade him. |
33
| rather | Moderately Increased | It's rather unlikely we'll get a response today. |
34
| less | Decreased | She's less likely to resign than to be promoted. |
35
| more | A bigger chance | They are more likely to buy new things. |
36
| most | Maximally Increased (superlative)| He's the most likely candidate to win the election. |
37
| least | Maximally Decreased (superlative)| It's the least likely scenario to occur. |
38
| hardly | Nearly impossible | It's hardly likely that they would refuse. |

When To Use It

Use these words to talk about things that might happen.
1. Saying if you are sure or not:
Use these when you are not 100 percent sure. They help when you do not know.
  • Given the current market trends, the company is likely to report a profit this quarter.
  • It's unlikely that the negotiations will conclude before the weekend.
2. Professional and Academic Discourse:
These words help you talk about the future at work. They make you sound smart.
  • The data suggests that climate change is likely to exacerbate extreme weather events.
  • It is unlikely that the proposed model can accurately predict consumer behavior without further refinement.
3. Politeness and Tact:
Use these words to be polite. They help when you say bad news.
  • It's unlikely that we will be able to accommodate your request for a full refund.
  • The revised timeline is likely to cause some disruption to existing schedules.
4. Managing Expectations and Risk Assessment:
These words help plan for the future. They show good and bad things.
  • The initial rollout is likely to encounter minor technical issues.
  • It's highly unlikely that the competitor will be able to replicate our technology in such a short timeframe.
5. Saying what you think might happen:
Use these words when you have a guess or a plan.
  • If the weather improves, we are likely to proceed with the outdoor event.
  • It's unlikely that she would agree to such a proposal without significant concessions.

Common Mistakes

Many people make mistakes with these words. Learn these rules to speak well.
1. Do not mix likely and probably:
Use is or are with likely. Do not use them with probably.
  • Incorrect: *It will likely rain tomorrow.
  • Correct: It is likely to rain tomorrow. (Adjective likely linked by is to it, referring to the rain.)
  • Correct: It will probably rain tomorrow. (Adverb probably modifying the verb will rain.)
  • Correct: It is likely that it will rain tomorrow. (Using the that-clause structure.)
Always use is or are with the word likely. This is the best way.
2. Do not forget the word to:
Always say likely to and then an action word. Do not forget to.
  • Incorrect: *The company is likely announce a merger soon.
  • Correct: The company is likely to announce a merger soon.
The word to connects likely to the action. You must use it.
3. Where to put extra words like very:
Put very or highly before the word likely.
  • Incorrect: *It is likely very that the event will be postponed.
  • Correct: It is very likely that the event will be postponed.
These words make likely stronger. Put them first.
4. Over-reliance or under-reliance on likely/unlikely:
Do not use these words too much. Use them only when needed.
Use different words to say how sure you are. This helps your English.

Real Conversations

Observe how likely and unlikely are deployed in everyday, yet nuanced, English exchanges across different registers.

1. Professional Email (Project Update):

S

Subject

Q3 Project Status

Hi Team, Just a quick update on the 'Quantum Leap' initiative. The prototype testing is progressing well, and it is highly likely that we will meet our development milestones for the next phase. However, due to unforeseen supplier delays, the final delivery date is unlikely to be before the end of November. We're exploring alternative vendors. I'll provide another update next week.

O

Observation

* The manager uses highly likely to convey strong confidence in internal progress while using unlikely to be to tactfully manage expectations regarding external dependencies. This balances optimism with realism.

2. University Discussion (Sociology Seminar):

S

Student A

* Do you think the government's new social welfare program is likely to alleviate poverty in rural areas?
S

Student B

* Based on previous similar initiatives, it's unlikely that it will have a significant impact without more targeted local interventions. It's more likely to benefit urban populations initially.
O

Observation

* The students use these terms to speculate and critique policy, grounding their opinions in evidence (based on previous initiatives) and distinguishing between different probabilities (unlikely that vs. more likely to).

3. Casual Conversation (Friends planning a trip):

F

Friend 1

* The weather forecast for Saturday looks terrible. Are we still likely to go hiking?
F

Friend 2

* To be honest, it's highly unlikely now. I saw a severe weather warning. We're more likely to end up at the cinema. Or, it's likely that we just stay in and play board games.
O

Observation

* Here, highly unlikely expresses a near-certain cancellation, while more likely to and likely that offer alternative, probable plans, showing flexibility in social planning.

4. News Report (Economic Analysis):

Economists predict that inflation is likely to remain elevated for at least another quarter, driven by global supply chain issues. However, a significant interest rate hike by the central bank is unlikely to occur before their next policy meeting, as they continue to monitor labor market data.

O

Observation

* Likely to remain and unlikely to occur are used to present expert predictions to the public, offering a balanced view of economic prospects without making definitive statements, reflecting the inherent uncertainties of forecasting.

Quick FAQ

Here are answers to common questions about these words.
Q1: What is the difference between these two ways to use likely?
Yes, there is a small difference. It talks about the whole event.
This way says what a person will probably do.
  • It is likely that the train will be delayed. (The probability is about the event of the train's delay.)
  • The train is likely to be delayed. (The probability is attributed to the train itself and its state of being delayed.)
Both ways are good. The second way is faster and more direct.
Q2: Can we use 'likely' to describe an action?
In casual talk, some people use 'likely' like 'probably'. For school, use 'probably' for actions. Use 'likely' after 'is' or 'are'. For example: 'We will probably arrive late.'
Q3: How do we say things might happen?
These words show how sure you are. They are like 'maybe' or 'will'. They tell people the exact chance of an event.
These words are very clear about what might happen.
Q4: What is the stylistic impact of choosing likely over probably or other hedging devices?
'Likely' is more serious. 'Probably' is for every day. Use 'likely' when you have a good reason.
It shows you thought about it. It is for serious talks.
Q5: Are there other words or phrases that convey similar meanings for C1 learners?
Yes, English has many ways to say 'maybe'. Using them helps you be clear.
| Word | Type of Word | How Sure | When to use |
|:----------------|:---------------|:----------------------|:-----------------------------------------------------------|
| likely | Describing word | High | Serious. Use after 'is' or 'are'. |
| unlikely | Describing word | Low | Serious. Use after 'is' or 'are'. |
| probable | Describing word | High | Very serious. |
| improbable | Describing word | Low | Very serious. |
| probably | Word for actions | High | Use for every day talk. |
| possibly | Word for actions | Medium | There is a small chance. |
| perhaps | Word for actions | Medium | A soft way to say maybe. |
| may | Special verb | Medium | You are not very sure. |
| might | Special verb | Low | You are very unsure. |
| could | Special verb | Medium | It is possible. |
| seem / appear | Look like | Medium | It looks true but you are not sure. |
| tend to | Habit words | High | This usually happens. |
| bound to | Strong words | Very high | This will definitely happen. |
Use this when you are very sure. It will happen.

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.

1

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.”

2

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.”

3

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

Reference table for Predicting the Future: Using 'Likely' and 'Unlikely' (Hedging)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative (Personal)
Subj + be + likely + to + verb
She is likely to call later.
Affirmative (Impersonal)
It + be + likely + that + clause
It is likely that she will call.
Negative (Adjective)
Subj + be + unlikely + to + verb
They are unlikely to arrive on time.
Negative (Verb)
Subj + be + not + likely + to + verb
They are not likely to arrive on time.
Question
Be + Subj + likely + to + verb?
Are you likely to be home by six?
Modified
Subj + be + highly likely + to + verb
The price is highly likely to rise.

Formality Spectrum

Formal
It is highly likely that I shall be delayed.

It is highly likely that I shall be delayed. (Professional vs. Casual communication)

Neutral
I am likely to be late.

I am likely to be late. (Professional vs. Casual communication)

Informal
I'll likely be late.

I'll likely be late. (Professional vs. Casual communication)

Slang
Prob gonna be late.

Prob gonna be late. (Professional vs. Casual communication)

The Probability Scale

Likelihood

High Probability

  • Highly likely 90% chance
  • More than likely 80% chance

Low Probability

  • Unlikely 20% chance
  • Highly unlikely 5% chance

Likely vs. Probably

Likely (Adjective)
He is likely to go. Focus on the person.
Probably (Adverb)
He will probably go. Focus on the action.

Choosing Your Structure

1

Are you focusing on a person/thing?

YES
Use 'Subject + be likely to...'
NO
Use 'It is likely that...'
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Examples by Level

1

It is likely.

2

Is it likely?

3

It is unlikely.

4

Very likely.

1

The train is likely to be late.

2

It is likely that he is at home.

3

She is unlikely to come to the party.

4

Are you likely to finish today?

1

We are likely to see more rain this week.

2

It's unlikely that they will change their minds.

3

Is it likely to cost a lot of money?

4

He is not likely to win the race.

1

The government is likely to introduce new taxes.

2

It is highly unlikely that the error was accidental.

3

They are more than likely to accept the offer.

4

The project is unlikely to be completed on time.

1

Such a scenario is highly likely to provoke a strong reaction.

2

It is increasingly likely that the policy will be reversed.

3

The findings are unlikely to have a significant impact on the field.

4

Is it not likely that the witness was mistaken?

1

In all likelihood, the merger will proceed as planned.

2

The candidate is singularly unlikely to garner enough support.

3

It remains highly likely that further interventions will be required.

4

Were the results to be skewed, a re-evaluation would be likely.

Easily Confused

Predicting the Future: Using 'Likely' and 'Unlikely' (Hedging) vs Likely vs. Probably

Learners use 'likely' as an adverb without a modifier, which sounds unnatural in some dialects.

Predicting the Future: Using 'Likely' and 'Unlikely' (Hedging) vs Likely vs. Liable

Both can mean 'probable', but 'liable' often implies a negative or legal responsibility.

Predicting the Future: Using 'Likely' and 'Unlikely' (Hedging) vs Likely vs. Bound to

Learners use 'likely' when they are 100% certain.

Common Mistakes

✗

I likely go.

✓

I will probably go.

A1 learners should avoid 'likely' as an adverb.
✗

It likely.

✓

It is likely.

Likely is an adjective and needs the verb 'to be'.
✗

Is likely?

✓

Is it likely?

English sentences need a subject.
✗

Very likely rain.

✓

It is very likely to rain.

Missing the subject and verb.
✗

He is likely go.

✓

He is likely to go.

Missing the 'to' in the infinitive.
✗

It is likely that rain.

✓

It is likely that it will rain.

A 'that' clause needs a full sentence (subject + verb).
✗

I am unlikely for come.

✓

I am unlikely to come.

Using 'for' instead of 'to'.
✗

He will likely to win.

✓

He is likely to win.

Don't use 'will' and 'likely to' together.
✗

It is likely him to win.

✓

He is likely to win.

Incorrect object pronoun usage.
✗

The likely result is it wins.

✓

The likely result is that it will win.

Missing the 'that' clause structure.
✗

He likely won't come.

✓

He is unlikely to come.

In formal British English, 'likely' shouldn't be used as a standalone adverb.
✗

It is likely that he comes tomorrow.

✓

It is likely that he will come tomorrow.

Using present simple instead of future in a 'that' clause.
✗

The highly likelyhood of success.

✓

The high likelihood of success.

Confusing the adverb 'highly' with the adjective 'high' when modifying a noun.
✗

It is unlikely for there to be a problem.

✓

It is unlikely that there will be a problem.

While 'unlikely for...' is sometimes used, 'unlikely that...' is more standard at C1.

Sentence Patterns

Subject + be + likely + to + ___

It + is + ___ + likely + that + ___

___ + is + unlikely + to + ___

In all likelihood, ___

Real World Usage

Weather Forecasts constant

Showers are likely in the afternoon.

Business Meetings very common

We are likely to exceed our targets this quarter.

Medical Consultations common

The treatment is likely to cause some fatigue.

Sports Commentary very common

They are unlikely to make a comeback at this stage.

Academic Research constant

It is likely that the results were influenced by sample size.

Texting Friends occasional

I'm likely to be a bit late, don't wait up!

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🎯

Use 'Highly' for Impact

In professional writing, 'highly likely' sounds much more authoritative than 'very likely'.
⚠️

Watch the 'To'

Always remember the 'to' before the verb. 'He is likely win' is a very common mistake.
💬

The British Understatement

If a British person says something is 'not unlikely', they often mean it is actually quite certain.
💡

Impersonal vs Personal

Use 'It is likely that' when you want to sound more objective and 'Subject is likely to' when you want to focus on the person.

Smart Tips

Switch from 'I think it will...' to 'It is likely that...'.

I think the results will change. → It is likely that the results will change.

Use the 'Subject + be likely to' structure to keep the focus on the person.

It is likely that John will win. → John is likely to win.

Use 'more than likely' instead of just 'likely'.

It is likely to happen. → It is more than likely to happen.

Remember that 'Is it unlikely...?' is asking if something is NOT going to happen.

Do you think it won't happen? → Is it unlikely to happen?

Pronunciation

/ˈlaɪkli/

Likely

Two syllables. Stress on the first syllable.

/ʌnˈlaɪkli/

Unlikely

Three syllables. Stress on the second syllable.

Rising-Falling on 'Likely'

He is LIKELY to win. ↘

Conveys a confident prediction.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

L-I-K-E-L-Y: Look Into Known Evidence, Logically Yielding (a prediction).

Visual Association

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

probabilityhedgingpredictionhighlyunlikelylikelihoodchanceprospect

Challenge

Write three predictions for your life in five years using 'likely to', 'unlikely to', and 'highly likely that'.

Cultural Notes

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'.

Conversation Starters

“

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?

Journal Prompts

Write about your career goals for the next five years. What are you likely to achieve?
Discuss the future of climate change. What events are likely to occur if we don't act?
Analyze a recent political decision. What are the likely long-term effects?
Describe a dream you had. Is it likely to come true? Why or why not?

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'likely'.

The prices are ___ to rise next month.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: likely
We use the adjective 'likely' after the verb 'to be'.
Choose the grammatically correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which sentence is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: It is likely that he will come.
'It is likely that' must be followed by a full clause.
Correct the error in this sentence: 'She likely to win the race.' Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

She likely to win the race.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: She is likely to win the race.
The adjective 'likely' requires the verb 'to be'.
Rewrite the sentence using 'unlikely': 'I don't think it will rain.' Sentence Transformation

I don't think it will rain.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: It is unlikely to rain.
'It is unlikely to [verb]' is the standard way to express low probability.
Match the phrase to its probability level. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Highly likely - 90%
These modifiers help specify the degree of probability.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: Do you think they'll accept the offer? B: It's ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: highly likely
'Highly likely' can stand alone as a short answer.
Which of these words is an adjective? Grammar Sorting

Identify the adjective:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: likely
'Likely' is an adjective, while the others are adverbs.
Put the words in the correct order. Sentence Building

likely / is / to / the / be / late / flight

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The flight is likely to be late.
The standard order is Subject + be + likely + to + verb.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'likely'.

The prices are ___ to rise next month.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: likely
We use the adjective 'likely' after the verb 'to be'.
Choose the grammatically correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which sentence is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: It is likely that he will come.
'It is likely that' must be followed by a full clause.
Correct the error in this sentence: 'She likely to win the race.' Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

She likely to win the race.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: She is likely to win the race.
The adjective 'likely' requires the verb 'to be'.
Rewrite the sentence using 'unlikely': 'I don't think it will rain.' Sentence Transformation

I don't think it will rain.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: It is unlikely to rain.
'It is unlikely to [verb]' is the standard way to express low probability.
Match the phrase to its probability level. Match Pairs

Match the following:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Highly likely - 90%
These modifiers help specify the degree of probability.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: Do you think they'll accept the offer? B: It's ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: highly likely
'Highly likely' can stand alone as a short answer.
Which of these words is an adjective? Grammar Sorting

Identify the adjective:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: likely
'Likely' is an adjective, while the others are adverbs.
Put the words in the correct order. Sentence Building

likely / is / to / the / be / late / flight

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The flight is likely to be late.
The standard order is Subject + be + likely + to + verb.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

11 exercises
Complete the sentence with the most appropriate word. Fill in the Blank

The new game update is ___ to fix many of the existing bugs.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: likely
Identify and correct the grammatical error. Error Correction

He likely will be late because of traffic.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: He is likely to be late because of traffic.
Select the grammatically correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which sentence uses 'unlikely' correctly?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: It's unlikely that the team will lose.
Translate the sentence into natural English. Translation

Translate into English: 'Es muy probable que llueva mañana.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["It is very likely that it will rain tomorrow.","It's very likely to rain tomorrow."]
Arrange the words to form a grammatically correct sentence. Sentence Reorder

Arrange these words into a sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The negotiations are unlikely to break down at this point.
Match the beginning of the sentence with its most likely ending. Match Pairs

Match the sentence beginnings with appropriate endings:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched
Choose the best word to fill the blank. Fill in the Blank

The concert tickets are selling fast, so it's ___ that they'll be available much longer.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: likely
Correct the error in the following statement. Error Correction

Our professor likely will give us an extension.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Our professor is likely to give us an extension.
Identify the grammatically correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Select the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: It's unlikely for him to fail.
Translate the phrase into English. Translation

Translate: 'Es improbable que lo terminemos a tiempo.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["It is unlikely that we will finish it on time.","We are unlikely to finish it on time."]
Unscramble the words to form a coherent sentence. Sentence Reorder

Put the words in the right order:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: She is likely to pass the exam.

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

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1

2

2

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3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

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In Other Languages

Spanish moderate

Es probable que + subjunctive

Spanish requires the subjunctive mood.

French moderate

Il est probable que + indicative/subjunctive

Nuance between probability and possibility affects mood.

German partial

Wahrscheinlich / Voraussichtlich

German prefers adverbs over the 'be likely to' adjective structure.

Japanese low

〜そうだ (sou da) / 〜らしい (rashii)

Japanese uses grammatical particles and suffixes rather than a 'to be' adjective structure.

Arabic moderate

من المحتمل أن (min al-muhtamal an)

Arabic uses a prepositional phrase structure.

Chinese moderate

很可能 (hěn kěnéng)

Chinese lacks the complex infinitive/clause distinction found in English.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
English Hedging: Using 'Probably', 'Perhaps', and 'Possibly'
Next
Modals for Probability: Must, Should, Might, May, Could, Can't

Learn These First

C1 Builds On

Polite Uncertainty: Hedging with Modal Verbs

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