Understanding the phrase ‘are likely to’ is essential for mastering English expressions that convey probability or expectation. This phrase is commonly used in everyday conversations, formal writing, and even in predictions about future events. Knowing how to use ‘are likely to’ properly will enhance your communication skills, helping you express chances or tendencies with clarity and precision. In this topic, we will explore the meaning of ‘are likely to,’ how it is used, examples, and some related expressions to expand your vocabulary.
What Does ‘Are Likely To’ Mean?
The phrase ‘are likely to’ indicates a high probability or strong chance that something will happen or is true. It expresses that an event, action, or condition is expected or probable based on current knowledge or circumstances.
For example, when you say, ‘They are likely to arrive late,’ you suggest that there is a good chance or expectation that they will not arrive on time. This phrase helps speakers communicate uncertainty in a polite and clear way without stating something as a definite fact.
Usage in Present and Future Contexts
‘Are likely to’ is often used when talking about the present or future. It helps to express expectations, predictions, or possibilities that depend on various factors.
- Present tense: ‘You are likely to feel tired after the long trip.’
- Future tense: ‘They are likely to win the game tomorrow.’
It is important to remember that ‘are likely to’ is followed by the base form of the verb, also known as the infinitive without ‘to.’ For instance: ‘She is likely to succeed.’
How to Use ‘Are Likely To’ in Sentences
The structure of the phrase involves a subject, followed by the correct form of the verb ‘to be’ (in this case, ‘are’), then ‘likely to,’ and finally the base verb.
Basic formula:
Subject + are/is/am + likely to + base verb
Here are some examples that demonstrate this structure:
- ‘We are likely to finish the project early.’
- ‘He is likely to call you later.’
- ‘They are likely to enjoy the concert.’
- ‘I am likely to miss the meeting.’
Negative Form
To express that something is not probable, use the negative form: ‘are not likely to.’
- ‘She is not likely to agree with the proposal.’
- ‘We are not likely to get a refund.’
Questions with ‘Are Likely To’
You can also form questions using ‘are likely to’ to inquire about probability or expectation.
- ‘Are they likely to attend the party?’
- ‘Is he likely to accept the job offer?’
Synonyms and Related Expressions
Several other expressions convey similar meanings to ‘are likely to,’ providing variety in language and style:
- Probably: ‘They will probably arrive late.’
- Expected to: ‘She is expected to graduate next year.’
- Chance of: ‘There is a good chance of rain today.’
- Inclined to: ‘He is inclined to accept the invitation.’
- Bound to: ‘The team is bound to win if they keep practicing.’
Using these synonyms can help you avoid repetition and sound more natural in your speech and writing.
Examples in Different Contexts
Understanding ‘are likely to’ becomes easier with varied examples. Here are different contexts where the phrase is frequently used.
Weather Predictions
‘The weather forecast says it is likely to rain this afternoon.’ This means there is a strong possibility of rain.
Health and Wellness
‘People who don’t sleep well are likely to feel tired during the day.’ This expresses a common consequence or tendency.
Education and Exams
‘Students who study regularly are likely to pass their exams.’ This indicates an expected outcome based on behavior.
Business and Economy
‘The company is likely to increase its profits this quarter.’ This shows an expectation of future success.
Everyday Conversations
‘You are likely to enjoy this movie; it has great reviews.’ A way to recommend something with positive expectation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Although ‘are likely to’ is straightforward, some mistakes happen frequently:
- Incorrect verb form: Avoid using the -ing form after ‘are likely to.’ For example, say ‘They are likely to win,’ not ‘They are likely to winning.’
- Wrong verb agreement: Use the correct form of ‘to be’ matching the subject. For example, ‘She is likely to…’ not ‘She are likely to.’
- Confusing ‘likely’ and ‘probable’: While similar, ‘likely’ is often used with ‘to’ plus verb, whereas ‘probable’ is more often followed by a noun or clause.
Tips for Using ‘Are Likely To’ Effectively
- Use it when you want to politely express an opinion or prediction without sounding too certain.
- Pair it with evidence or reasoning to strengthen your statement: ‘Given the weather, they are likely to cancel the event.’
- Remember the structure and practice it in different tenses and with different subjects.
- In writing, ‘are likely to’ adds a formal tone to predictions or assessments.
Summary
The phrase ‘are likely to’ is a valuable tool in English for expressing probability or expectation. It helps speakers convey a sense of what may happen or be true, without making absolute statements. By understanding its meaning, proper usage, and common alternatives, you can improve your communication skills both in speaking and writing. Remember to use the correct verb form, maintain agreement with the subject, and explore synonyms to diversify your language. With practice, you will be able to confidently use ‘are likely to’ in various contexts to express likelihood in a clear and natural way.