Prever o Futuro: Usando 'Likely' e 'Unlikely' (Hedging)
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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.
Overview
It is likely that the price will go up.maybe ou probably. Elas servem para enviar mensagens ao seu colega de quarto sobre pizza, mas não são suficientes quando você está escrevendo uma tese ou negociando um contrato.It is likely/unlikely that mostra que você entende as nuances da certeza. Faz você parecer mais profissional, ponderado e — honestamente — mais como um falante nativo que sabe que a vida raramente é 100% certa. Pense nisso como o 'dar de ombros profissional' em forma de frase.How This Grammar Works
likely (ou unlikely) atuando como um adjetivo. Uma armadilha comum é pensar que likely é um advérbio porque termina em '-ly', mas nestas estruturas específicas, ela descreve a probabilidade de toda uma situação. Você tem duas formas principais de construir estas frases.It is likely that [algo acontece]. Isso é ótimo porque coloca o foco no evento em si. É objetivo.He is likely to [fazer algo]. Isso parece um pouco mais direto e é extremamente comum no inglês falado.It is highly unlikely that they survive this episode. Ou, se for mais direto: They are unlikely to survive. Ambos são ouro para o nível C1, mas a versão `It is...
Formation Pattern
It.
to be (geralmente is, mas pode ser was ou will be).
likely ou unlikely.
that (esta é a ponte).
It + is + likely + that + the event will be sold out.
Subject real de quem você está falando.
to be (conjugado de acordo com o sujeito).
likely ou unlikely.
to-infinitive do seu verbo principal.
The tickets + are + unlikely + to be available.
likely/unlikely.
highly, very, extremely ou most para ênfase extra.
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 faz você parecer um gênio estratégico que identifica riscos. Tudo se resume ao 'pouso suave'. Você também verá isso constantemente em reportagens e artigos acadêmicos.It is likely that porque isso os protege de processos judiciais caso uma previsão não se concretize. Na sua vida social, use para coisas como planos de viagem ou tendências virais. 'O TikTok vai ser banido?' → It's unlikely that it will happen overnight.It's unlikely that you'll finish without a few blisters, o que soa muito melhor do que 'Você vai falhar'. É a gramática do 'otimista realista' — você espera o melhor, mas está preparado para o que os dados dizem.
Common Mistakes
It is..., você DEVE usar that seguido de uma frase completa (uma oração). Se quiser usar 'him', você tem que mudar para a outra estrutura: He is likely to win. Outro clássico é esquecer completamente o verbo to be. 'It likely that...' soa como um robô quebrado. Não esqueça o is. Além disso, tenha cuidado com a palavra probably. Embora likely e probably signifiquem coisas semelhantes, a gramática deles é totalmente diferente. Você pode dizer 'I will probably go', mas não pode dizer 'I will likely go' no inglês britânico padrão (embora os americanos façam isso o tempo todo). Em exames formais, trate likely como um adjetivo que precisa do verbo to be. Por fim, não exagere no hedging! Se você disser It is possibly likely that maybe..., vai parecer que está tendo uma crise de confiança. Escolha um nível de probabilidade e mantenha-o.Contrast With Similar Patterns
will ou is bound to.It is likely that. Se tem 50% de certeza, usa It is possible that ou might. Likely é o ponto ideal da probabilidade.possible, mas mais suave que certain. Comparado a probably, likely parece mais baseado em evidências externas do que apenas em um palpite. Se você disser 'I’ll probably be late', parece que você é apenas desorganizado com o tempo.It is likely that I will be late, parece que há um engarrafamento enorme que você analisou no Google Maps. Também existe o It is expected that, usado para coisas que *deveriam* acontecer devido a um cronograma ou promessa, enquanto likely é puramente sobre probabilidade. Usar likely/unlikely dá ao seu inglês um toque polido e analítico que modais simples como could ou may às vezes carecem.Quick FAQ
P: Posso dizer 'It is more likely that'?
R: Com certeza! É perfeito para comparações. It is more likely that I’ll stay in than go to the club.
P: 'It is unlikely that' é o mesmo que 'I doubt that'?
R: Muito parecido! I doubt that é mais pessoal e subjetivo. It is unlikely that soa mais como um fato objetivo. Use o último para relatórios ou apresentações.
P: Sempre preciso do 'that'?
R: Na escrita formal, sim. Em mensagens de texto informais, as pessoas costumam omiti-lo: 'It's likely he'll call later'. Mas para o seu exame C1, mantenha o that!
P: Posso usar no passado?
R: Sim! It was unlikely that the team would win, but they did. Só lembre de passar os outros verbos para o passado também.
P: Qual é a diferença entre 'highly likely' e 'very likely'?
R: 'Highly likely' é apenas um pouco mais formal e soa mais 'C1'. É como a diferença entre usar um moletom e um blazer. Ambos funcionam, mas um é mais 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
| Estrutura | Significado | Exemplo (Likely) | Exemplo (Unlikely) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
It is + likely/unlikely + that-clause
|
Probabilidade de uma situação/evento
|
It is likely that prices will rise.
|
It is unlikely that they will agree.
|
|
Subject + be + likely/unlikely + to-infinitive
|
Probabilidade da ação de um sujeito
|
She is likely to get the job.
|
He is unlikely to finish today.
|
|
It is + more/less likely + that-clause
|
Maior/menor probabilidade de uma situação
|
It is more likely that he's busy.
|
It is less likely that she heard.
|
|
Subject + be + more/less likely + to-infinitive
|
Maior/menor probabilidade da ação de um sujeito
|
We are more likely to succeed.
|
They are less likely to complain.
|
|
Likely as an adjective (less common, formal)
|
Provável, esperado
|
A likely outcome.
|
An unlikely scenario.
|
Espectro de formalidade
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)
Hedging com Likely & Unlikely
Alta Probabilidade
- Likely It is likely that...
Baixa Probabilidade
- Unlikely It is unlikely that...
Formação 1
- It is + adj + that-clause It is likely that you'll succeed.
Formação 2
- Subject + be + adj + to-inf You are likely to succeed.
Likely vs. Probably
Escolhendo a Estrutura de Likely/Unlikely
Você está falando sobre a probabilidade de uma situação ou evento geral?
O sujeito de 'be' é o mesmo que o sujeito da ação?
Contextos de Uso
Previsões
- • Weather forecast
- • Election results
- • Stock market
Expectativas
- • Project deadlines
- • Exam outcomes
- • Social plans
Opiniões Cautelosas
- • Business strategies
- • Academic theories
- • Personal advice
Ambientes Formais
- • Reports
- • Presentations
- • Research papers
Exemplos por nível
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.
Erros comuns
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.
Padrões de frases
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!
Adjective vs. Adverb
is likely). Já 'probably' é um advérbio (por exemplo, will probably). Não os misture em frases sem mudar a estrutura! She is likely to winvs.
She will probably win.
Não Omita o 'to'
She is likely win é um erro comum; o certo é She is likely to win.Aprimore seu 'Hedging'
ou She is less likely to agree."Polidez na Incerteza
It is likely that we will need more timesounds more professional than
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.
Pronúncia
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.
Memorize
Mnemônico
L-I-K-E-L-Y: Look Into Known Evidence, Logically Yielding (a prediction).
Associação 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
Desafio
Write three predictions for your life in five years using 'likely to', 'unlikely to', and 'highly likely that'.
Notas culturais
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'.
Iniciadores de conversa
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 diário
Erros comuns
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
Exercicios praticos
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
Perguntas frequentes (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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