When something is likely, it means it has a good chance of happening or being true. Think of it like this: if you look at the sky and see many dark clouds, it is likely to rain. This word helps us talk about things we expect to happen. For example, if you study hard, it is likely that you will do well on your test. It's about what we think will probably happen.
When something is described as 'likely,' it indicates a significant probability of its occurrence or veracity. This term is employed to express an expectation that a particular event or situation will materialize, based on available evidence or general understanding. It suggests a strong inclination towards a positive outcome or affirmation, though not an absolute certainty. The adjective 'likely' thus conveys a sense of anticipated realism, often used to temper predictions with a degree of informed estimation rather than definitive pronouncements.
§ Where you actually hear this word — work, school, news
The word 'likely' is a very common and useful adjective that you'll encounter in many different situations. Because it's about probability, it's particularly frequent when people are discussing future events, predictions, or the chances of something being true. Let's look at some specific contexts where you're very likely to hear or read this word.
§ In the News
News reporters and journalists often use 'likely' when they are talking about events that are expected to happen, but aren't certain yet. This is especially true for weather forecasts, political predictions, or economic reports. It allows them to convey information about potential outcomes without stating them as absolute facts.
The storm is likely to bring heavy rain to the region tonight.
Analysts say a rise in interest rates is likely by the end of the year.
The new policy is likely to cause debate among lawmakers.
§ In School or Academic Settings
In academic environments, 'likely' is used in discussions, essays, and textbooks when exploring possible outcomes, scientific theories, or historical interpretations. Students and teachers use it to express hypotheses or to discuss the probability of certain events or conclusions based on evidence.
Based on these results, it is likely that the experiment will yield similar outcomes next time.
The author's early works are likely to be influenced by the political climate of the time.
If you study consistently, you are likely to improve your grades.
- Synonyms you might hear
- Probable, highly probable, expected, conceivable.
§ In Work and Professional Settings
In the workplace, 'likely' is essential for project planning, risk assessment, and making predictions about market trends or business outcomes. Managers and team members use it to discuss the chances of success, potential challenges, or expected results without committing to absolute certainty.
It's likely that the new software update will be released next quarter.
The client is likely to approve our proposal if we include a detailed timeline.
The market is likely to respond positively to our new product launch.
§ Everyday Conversations
Even in casual conversations, 'likely' is a very natural way to talk about things that you expect to happen or believe to be true. It's less formal than 'probable' and more common than 'expected' in daily speech.
"It's likely that we'll go to the park this weekend if the weather is good."
"She's likely to be at the library; she has a big test tomorrow."
"If you leave now, you're likely to miss the rush hour traffic."
As you can see, 'likely' is a versatile word that helps to express degrees of certainty across many different domains. Pay attention to how it's used in these contexts, and you'll become more comfortable using it yourself!
The word "likely" is a very common and useful adjective in English, but it can be a bit tricky for learners, especially at the A2 CEFR level. Understanding its proper usage is key to expressing probability correctly. Here, we'll explore some common mistakes people make with "likely" and how to avoid them.
§ Mistake 1: Confusing "likely" with "probably" or "possible"
While all three words relate to probability, they are not interchangeable, especially in their grammatical function. "Likely" is primarily an adjective, while "probably" is an adverb, and "possible" is an adjective.
- Incorrect Usage
- It will likely rain tomorrow. (Using 'likely' as an adverb)
It is likely to rain tomorrow. (Correct: 'likely' as an adjective with 'to' infinitive)
It will probably rain tomorrow. (Correct: 'probably' as an adverb)
§ Mistake 2: Incorrect sentence structure with "likely"
Beginners often struggle with the grammatical structures that accompany "likely." It doesn't always work like other adjectives that directly modify a noun. The most common and correct structures are "it is likely to + verb" or "it is likely that + clause."
- Incorrect: He likely come.
- Correct: He is likely to come.
- Incorrect Usage
- The weather likely will be good.
It is likely that the weather will be good. (Using 'it is likely that...')
The weather is likely to be good. (Using 'is likely to...')
§ Mistake 3: Overuse or misuse of "most likely"
While "most likely" is a valid phrase to indicate a high degree of probability, it can sometimes be used redundantly or in situations where a simpler "likely" would suffice. It's also important to remember that "most likely" often functions adverbially.
- Redundant Usage
- It is most likely probable that they will win.
It is most likely that they will win. (More concise)
§ Mistake 4: Not using "unlikely" for the opposite meaning
The direct opposite of "likely" is "unlikely." Sometimes, learners might try to say "not likely" instead of simply using "unlikely," which, while not entirely wrong, can sound less natural or be grammatically awkward in certain constructions.
- Less natural: It is not likely to happen.
- More natural: It is unlikely to happen.
It is unlikely that they will agree. (Clear and concise)
§ Mistake 5: Incorrect placement when "likely" acts as an adverb
While "likely" primarily functions as an adjective, it can also act as an adverb, meaning "probably." When used as an adverb, its placement in the sentence is crucial. It usually comes before the main verb or after auxiliary verbs.
- Incorrect Adverbial Usage
- They win likely the game.
They will likely win the game. (Correct placement of adverb 'likely')
By being mindful of these common pitfalls, A2 learners can significantly improve their accuracy and fluency when using the word "likely" to express probability in English. Practice using it in different sentence structures to build confidence and develop a natural feel for its usage.
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When discussing future events or predictions.
- It's likely that...
- highly likely
- most likely to happen
Talking about the probability of an outcome.
- likely outcome
- very likely
- not likely
Describing characteristics or tendencies of a person or thing.
- likely candidate
- likely to succeed
- likely to cause problems
Explaining why something is probable.
- This makes it likely that...
- It is likely because...
- Given the circumstances, it's likely...
When making plans or decisions based on probability.
- We are likely to...
- It's likely we will need...
- The most likely scenario is...
对话开场白
"What are some things that are likely to happen this week?"
"In your opinion, what is the most likely way to learn a new language effectively?"
"Do you think it's likely that we'll see significant changes in technology in the next five years?"
"What's a likely consequence if people don't recycle?"
"What are some things you're likely to do this weekend?"
日记主题
Describe a time when something you thought was unlikely to happen actually did. How did you feel?
What are some things that are likely to bring you joy in the coming month? How can you make them happen?
Reflect on a decision you made recently. What was the likely outcome you were hoping for, and did it happen?
Write about a skill you'd like to learn. What steps are you likely to take to achieve it?
Consider a challenge you're currently facing. What is the most likely way you will overcome it?
常见问题
10 个问题Both 'likely' and 'probable' mean there's a good chance of something happening. However, 'likely' is more commonly used in everyday conversation and can be a bit more informal. 'Probable' tends to sound a little more formal or statistical.
Yes, you can! For example, you could say, 'It's likely that they got lost on their way here' if you're making an assumption about something that happened in the past.
Not necessarily. While it often refers to something good happening, it can also refer to something negative. For instance, 'It's likely to rain today' isn't a positive statement if you had outdoor plans!
Some common phrases include 'most likely' (meaning very probable), 'not likely' (meaning improbable), and 'as likely as not' (meaning equally probable or improbable).
You can, but it's often used to describe their characteristics or tendencies. For example, 'He's a likely candidate for the job' means he has a good chance of getting it. Or, 'She's likely to be late' means it's probable she'll be late.
To make it stronger, you can use words like 'very likely,' 'highly likely,' or 'most likely.' To make it weaker, you could say 'less likely' or 'not very likely.'
The most common opposite is 'unlikely.' You could also use words like 'improbable' or 'doubtful.'
It's generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It's a very versatile word.
Yes, it can! When used as an adverb, it often means 'probably.' For example, 'It will likely happen tomorrow.' In this case, 'likely' modifies the verb 'happen'.
They are related, but not exactly the same. 'Possible' means something *can* happen, while 'likely' means it has a *good chance* of happening. Something can be possible but not very likely.
自我测试 12 个问题
Which sentence uses 'likely' correctly?
'Likely' describes something that has a good chance of happening. All options use it correctly.
Choose the best meaning for 'likely' in this sentence: 'It is likely that he will come to the party.'
'Likely' means there is a good chance, so 'probably' is the closest meaning.
Which word is similar in meaning to 'likely'?
'Likely' implies that something is possible and has a good chance of happening.
If something is 'likely', it means it will definitely happen.
'Likely' means there is a good chance, but not a certainty.
We can use 'likely' to talk about things that probably will not happen.
'Likely' is used for things that have a good chance of happening.
The sentence 'It is likely to be sunny tomorrow' means there is a good chance of sun.
'Likely' indicates a good probability or expectation.
Given the unprecedented challenges facing the global economy, a significant recession is _____ to occur within the next year, impacting numerous industries worldwide.
While 'probable', 'imminent', and 'unavoidable' all suggest a high chance, 'likely' is the most nuanced and appropriate choice here, indicating a strong possibility without absolute certainty, fitting the speculative nature of economic forecasts.
The newly discovered archaeological evidence makes it highly _____ that the ancient civilization possessed advanced astronomical knowledge, far beyond what was previously conjectured.
'Likely' emphasizes the strong probability inferred from the new evidence, whereas 'plausible', 'credible', and 'conceivable' suggest possibility or believability without necessarily conveying the same degree of strong expectation.
Despite the innovative approach, the startup's success is far from guaranteed; in fact, it's more _____ that it will face considerable hurdles in securing sufficient market share against established competitors.
'Likely' is the best fit as it expresses a strong expectation of future challenges. 'Probable' is similar but 'likely' often carries a slightly more informal and direct tone in this context. 'Expected' and 'foreseeable' are also close but 'likely' emphasizes the degree of chance.
Considering the current political climate and the public's growing dissatisfaction, it is _____ that the incumbent party will face a formidable challenge in the upcoming general election.
'Quite likely' effectively conveys a strong, but not absolute, expectation based on the given circumstances. 'Highly probable' is also good, but 'quite likely' often feels more natural in expressing a strong inference in a complex situation. 'Very expected' and 'most predictable' are less nuanced.
The complex negotiation process, fraught with deep-seated disagreements, makes it _____ that a compromise will be reached by the initial deadline, necessitating an extension.
'Unlikely' is the precise antonym of 'likely' and is the most direct way to express a low probability in this context. 'Improbable' is very similar but 'unlikely' is often preferred for a more straightforward expression of low chance. 'Doubtful' and 'questionable' refer more to uncertainty or suspicion than pure probability.
Without significant and immediate intervention, the delicate ecosystem is _____ to suffer irreversible damage from the escalating pollution levels.
'Likely' conveys a high probability of damage without implying absolute inevitability, which 'certain', 'destined', and 'bound' would suggest. This nuance is important, as intervention, however improbable, could still alter the outcome.
/ 12 correct
Perfect score!
例句
It is likely to rain this afternoon, so take an umbrella.
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