15秒了解
- A word used to express high probability without total certainty.
- Soften claims to sound more professional and less aggressive.
- Commonly used in the phrase 'It is likely that...'
- A polite way to guess the future or explain a situation.
意思
Use 'likely' when you think something is probably true but you want to avoid sounding 100% certain. It is a polite way to make a prediction or a claim without being too aggressive.
关键例句
3 / 6Discussing a project deadline
We are likely to finish the report by Friday afternoon.
We are likely to finish the report by Friday afternoon.
Predicting the weather for a picnic
It's likely going to be sunny, so bring some sunscreen.
It's likely going to be sunny, so bring some sunscreen.
Texting a friend about a party
I'll most likely be there around 8 PM.
I'll most likely be there around 8 PM.
文化背景
The use of 'likely' reflects the Anglo-American cultural preference for 'understatement' and 'hedging'. It allows speakers to maintain credibility while avoiding the social risk of being proven wrong. In academic and legal English, it is a standard tool for precise, cautious communication.
The 'To' Rule
Always remember that 'likely' is followed by 'to' when describing an action. Say 'He is likely to win,' not 'He is likely win.'
Don't Over-Hedge
If you use 'likely' in every single sentence, you might sound indecisive or like you are hiding something. Use it for the big claims!
15秒了解
- A word used to express high probability without total certainty.
- Soften claims to sound more professional and less aggressive.
- Commonly used in the phrase 'It is likely that...'
- A polite way to guess the future or explain a situation.
What It Means
Likely is a powerful little word. It sits right between 'maybe' and 'definitely'. When you use it, you are saying there is a high chance of something happening. However, you are also leaving a tiny escape hatch. It shows you are smart enough to know that nothing in life is guaranteed. It is the ultimate tool for sounding reasonable and balanced.
How To Use It
You can use it as an adjective or an adverb. Most often, you will see it in the pattern It is likely that... or Subject is likely to.... For example, It is likely to rain sounds much more professional than just saying It will rain. You can also boost it with words like very, highly, or most. If you want to sound a bit skeptical, you can say not likely to shut down an idea gently.
When To Use It
Use it whenever you want to sound like an expert who isn't arrogant. It is perfect for office meetings when discussing deadlines. Use it when texting friends about plans that depend on the weather. It is great for making predictions about sports or movies. It helps you avoid looking foolish if your prediction turns out to be wrong. Think of it as your social insurance policy.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use likely when you are absolutely certain of a fact. If someone asks if you are married, don't say It is likely. That sounds like you forgot! Avoid it in high-stakes emotional moments where people need directness. If your partner asks if you love them, It is highly likely will definitely get you in trouble. Keep it for situations involving probability, not personal commitment.
Cultural Background
English speakers, especially in the UK and North America, love 'hedging'. We often find directness a bit rude or confrontational. Using likely is a cultural signal of humility and intellectual honesty. It comes from Old Norse and Old English roots meaning 'similar' or 'appropriate'. Over centuries, it evolved into a way to describe things that 'resemble the truth'.
Common Variations
You will often hear highly likely for things that are almost certain. Most likely is the go-to phrase for your best guess. In very casual speech, someone might just say Likely story! when they think you are lying. Be careful with that last one; it is quite sarcastic! Stick to It is likely for your standard, helpful predictions.
使用说明
While 'likely' is neutral, it is a staple of professional 'hedging'. Avoid using it for things that are 100% certain, as it can make you sound unsure of basic facts.
The 'To' Rule
Always remember that 'likely' is followed by 'to' when describing an action. Say 'He is likely to win,' not 'He is likely win.'
Don't Over-Hedge
If you use 'likely' in every single sentence, you might sound indecisive or like you are hiding something. Use it for the big claims!
The Sarcasm Trap
If someone says 'A likely story!', they actually mean 'I don't believe you at all!' It's a classic English way of saying you're lying without using the word 'liar'.
例句
6We are likely to finish the report by Friday afternoon.
We are likely to finish the report by Friday afternoon.
Softens the commitment so you aren't blamed if there's a small delay.
It's likely going to be sunny, so bring some sunscreen.
It's likely going to be sunny, so bring some sunscreen.
Gives a helpful suggestion based on a strong probability.
I'll most likely be there around 8 PM.
I'll most likely be there around 8 PM.
A casual way to set expectations for your arrival time.
A flat tire again? A likely story!
A flat tire again? A likely story!
A sarcastic idiom meaning you don't believe the person at all.
Interest rates are highly likely to remain stable this quarter.
Interest rates are highly likely to remain stable this quarter.
Uses 'highly' to show a very strong degree of confidence.
The vet said he is likely to make a full recovery.
The vet said he is likely to make a full recovery.
Provides comfort by focusing on the high probability of a good outcome.
自我测试
Choose the best word to complete this professional prediction.
The client is ___ to approve the budget if we explain the benefits clearly.
'Likely' is the most natural adjective to follow 'is' in this sentence structure.
Which intensifier makes the claim feel the strongest?
It is ___ likely that the event will be postponed due to the storm.
'Highly likely' is a standard collocation used to show strong probability.
🎉 得分： /2
视觉学习工具
The Probability Scale
Using 'probably' or 'maybe' in chat.
Maybe I'll go.
Standard use of 'likely' in daily life.
It's likely to rain.
Using 'highly likely' in reports.
Success is highly likely.
Where to use 'Likely'
Weather Forecasts
Likely showers.
Office Meetings
Likely outcomes.
Scientific Papers
A likely cause.
Sarcastic Replies
Likely story!
练习题库
2 练习The client is ___ to approve the budget if we explain the benefits clearly.
'Likely' is the most natural adjective to follow 'is' in this sentence structure.
It is ___ likely that the event will be postponed due to the storm.
'Highly likely' is a standard collocation used to show strong probability.
🎉 得分： /2
常见问题
10 个问题They are very similar, but 'likely' is often used as an adjective (It is likely), while 'probably' is an adverb (It will probably happen). 'Likely' sounds slightly more formal.
Usually, no. You wouldn't say 'That is likely.' unless you are answering a question like 'Is that true?'. Normally it needs a verb or a clause following it.
Add the word 'highly' before it. Saying 'It is highly likely' suggests a 90% chance, whereas 'likely' alone feels like 60-70%.
The most common opposite is 'unlikely'. You can say 'It is unlikely to snow in July.'
Yes, it's perfectly fine! Using 'most likely' in a text is a very common way to answer a 'Will you be there?' question.
Yes, you can say 'It is likely that he forgot.' This means you are guessing about why something happened in the past.
Adding 'most' makes it sound more natural in casual conversation. It emphasizes that this is your top prediction.
It is neutral. It works in a scientific journal, but it also works when talking to your grandma about the cat.
It is a short, slightly blunt way of saying 'No way' or 'I doubt it'. For example: 'Will he help us?' 'Not likely!'
Both are correct! Use 'likely that' with a full clause (It is likely that he will go) and 'likely to' with a verb (He is likely to go).
相关表达
Probable
Very similar to likely, but used more in technical or mathematical contexts.
In all likelihood
A more formal way to say 'most likely' at the start of a sentence.
Odds are
An informal way to say 'it is likely' (e.g., 'Odds are he'll be late').
Bound to
Used when you are much more certain than 'likely' (e.g., 'It's bound to happen').
