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
Likely 和 unlikely 就是这套“对冲工具箱”里的核心组件。maybe 或 perhaps 的初级感，还能让你在表达概率时，展现出一种母语者级别的“分寸感”。这种分寸感在职场 KPI 评估、市场预测、甚至是微信朋友圈里的时事讨论中都至关重要。本文将深入解析 likely 和 unlikely 的高级用法，并对比中文思维，帮你规避那些连资深翻译都可能掉进去的坑。likely 和 unlikely，首先要从底层逻辑上理解它们的词性。这是中国学生最容易产生“母语负迁移”的地方。likely 和 unlikely 的核心身份是 形容词（Predicative Adjectives）。这意味着它们通常不能像副词 probably 那样直接修饰动词，而是需要通过系动词（如 be 动词）来连接主语。- 1概率的属性化：当你使用
is likely to时，你实际上是在描述主语的一种“属性”或“倾向”。例如The stock price is likely to rise.，这里likely描述的是“股价”目前具备的一种上涨趋势，而不仅仅是对未来的猜测。 - 2句法结构的严谨性：与副词
probably相比，likely引导的结构更加多变，既可以采用“非人称主语”（It），也可以采用“实义主语”。这种灵活性使得它在处理复杂信息时比probably更有优势。
He is likely to win. | 英语将“可能”视为他的一种状态（形容词）。 |It is likely that it will rain tomorrow. | 英语常用 It 作形式主语，引导整个事件。 |He has probably arrived. | probably 是副词，直接嵌入动词结构。 |It + be + likely/unlikely + that-clauseIt，将真正的概率事件放在 that 从句中。这种表达方式最为客观，常用于学术报告或正式新闻中，因为它淡化了主观色彩，强调的是“某种情况发生的可能性”。It + [is/was/will be] + (修饰语) + likely/unlikely + that + [完整句子]It is highly likely that the merger will be finalized by the end of the month. (月底前完成并购的可能性极高。)Subject + be + likely/unlikely + to-infinitiveto do。这种结构在口语和商务交流中非常高效。Subject + [is/was/will be] + (修饰语) + likely/unlikely + to + [动词原形]Our competitors are unlikely to match our new pricing strategy. (我们的竞争对手不太可能跟进我们的新定价策略。)likely。你需要通过程度副词来精准控制“概率的百分比”。Highly likely / Extremely likely(90% 以上的可能性)Quite likely / Very likely(70-80% 的可能性)More likely than not(超过 50% 的可能性，常翻译为“多半……”)Rather unlikely / Somewhat unlikely(可能性较低)Highly unlikely(极不可能)
likely 和 unlikely 的出现频率极高，主要集中在以下四个高级场景：likely 能体现出一种基于证据的审慎。如果你说 A causes B，那是绝对真理；但在现实中，我们通常说 A is likely to lead to B。The aging population is likely to strain the national healthcare system. (人口老龄化很可能会给国家医疗体系带来压力。)unlikely 可以委婉地表达否定。It is unlikely that the board will approve such a significant budget increase without further justification. (如果没有进一步的理由，董事会不太可能批准如此大幅度的预算增加。)likely 的否定形式或 unlikely 能起到“缓冲垫”的作用。这在处理职场关系时尤为重要。I'm afraid the team is unlikely to meet the original deadline due to the recent supply chain disruptions. (恐怕由于最近的供应链中断，团队不太可能按原定截止日期完成任务。)likely 常用于评估假设情景的真实性。If the interest rates rise again, consumers are less likely to take out mortgages. (如果利率再次上升，消费者贷款买房的可能性就会降低。)likely 误用为副词 (The Adverb Trap)*He likely knows.*。虽然在美式英语口语中偶尔能听到这种用法，但在写作或正式场合，这是不规范的。*The weather will likely change tomorrow.* (受中文“天气可能改变”影响)The weather is likely to change tomorrow. 或 It is likely that the weather will change tomorrow.likely 在这里是形容词，必须有 is/are 这样的系动词支撑。to (The Missing 'To')Subject + be likely + do 时，会习惯性地漏掉 to，这可能是受到了 can/may 等情态动词用法的影响。*The project is likely fail without funding.*The project is likely to fail without funding.likely 不是情态动词，它后面的动词必须以 to-infinitive 的形式出现。is not likely to 还是 is unlikely to。虽然两者意思接近，但 is unlikely to 的语气更强、更正式；而 is not likely to 则相对平缓。*It is very not likely...*。如果你想表达“非常不可能”，请务必使用 It is highly unlikely... 或 It is not at all likely...。likely 与其他表达概率的词汇之间的细微差别。to do 或 that | 正式、中性、基于证据 |liable to break |Likely vs. ProbableProbable几乎不用于Subject + be probable + to do结构。我们不说*He is probable to come.*，只能说It is probable that he will come.。- 因此，
Likely的句法灵活性远高于Probable。
Most likely 吗？Most likely. 是一个非常地道的简短回答，相当于“极有可能”。但在完整的句子中，建议还是遵循 It is most likely that... 或 He is most likely to... 的结构。unlikely 和 not likely 有区别吗？unlikely 是一个更强的否定，带有某种“预判”色彩；而 not likely 只是简单地否定了可能性。在职场中，如果你想表达“我觉得这事没戏”，用 It's unlikely to work 会显得更专业、更有主见。maybe？maybe 是副词，通常放在句首，语气非常随意且不确定。在 C1 级别的表达中，maybe 显得缺乏深度。如果你在写论文或做 PPT 演示时频繁使用 maybe，听众会觉得你的数据支撑不足或缺乏自信。相比之下，is likely to 听起来像是经过深思熟虑后的推论。likely 什么时候可以当副词用？very, most, more 修饰时，在美式英语中它可以作为副词。例如：He will most likely join us.。但在备考（如雅思、托福、GRE）或撰写正式公文时，建议始终将其视为形容词，遵循本文提到的两种核心结构，这样最为稳妥。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
| 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.
|
正式程度
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)
The Probability Scale
High Probability
- Highly likely 90% chance
- More than likely 80% chance
Low Probability
- Unlikely 20% chance
- Highly unlikely 5% chance
Likely vs. Probably
Choosing Your Structure
Are you focusing on a person/thing?
按水平分级的例句
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.
容易混淆
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.
常见错误
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.
句型
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!
Use 'Highly' for Impact
Watch the 'To'
The British Understatement
Impersonal vs Personal
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.
发音
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.
记住它
记忆技巧
L-I-K-E-L-Y: Look Into Known Evidence, Logically Yielding (a prediction).
视觉联想
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
挑战
Write three predictions for your life in five years using 'likely to', 'unlikely to', and 'highly likely that'.
文化笔记
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'.
对话开场白
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?
日记主题
常见错误
Test Yourself
The 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 each item on the left with its pair on the right:
A: Do you think they'll accept the offer? B: It's ___.
Identify the adjective:
likely / is / to / the / be / late / flight
Score: /8
练习题
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
常见问题 (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
Learn These First
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