Mastering "Be Likely To": Essential English Grammar for Expressing Probability

A Complete Guide to Understanding and Using This Important English Structure

Introduction: Why "Be Likely To" Matters

In English communication, expressing probability and likelihood is crucial for effective conversation. The phrase "be likely to" is one of the most important structures for discussing future possibilities, making predictions, and expressing degrees of certainty. Whether you're discussing weather forecasts, business projections, or personal plans, mastering this grammar point will significantly enhance your English fluency.

What Does "Be Likely To" Mean?

"Be likely to" expresses probability or the chance that something will happen. It indicates that there is a good possibility of an event occurring, though it's not completely certain. This structure helps speakers communicate their expectations about future events in a natural, native-like way.

Grammar Structure and Formation

Subject + be (am/is/are/was/were) + likely + to + base verb

Present Tense Formation

• I am likely to finish the project today.
• She is likely to arrive late due to traffic.
• They are likely to win the championship.

Past Tense Formation

• He was likely to succeed from the beginning.
• We were likely to miss the train if we didn't hurry.

💡 Grammar Tip

Remember that "likely" is an adjective, so it must be preceded by the verb "be" in its appropriate form. Never say "I likely to go" – always include the "be" verb: "I am likely to go."

Different Ways to Use "Be Likely To"

1. Making Predictions

Examples:

• The weather forecast says it is likely to rain tomorrow.
• House prices are likely to increase next year.
• The new restaurant is likely to be popular with young people.

2. Expressing Personal Expectations

Examples:

• I am likely to study abroad next semester.
• My sister is likely to get the promotion she applied for.
• We are likely to move to a bigger house soon.

3. Discussing Consequences

Examples:

• If you don't study, you are likely to fail the exam.
• Students who practice regularly are likely to improve faster.
• Companies that invest in technology are likely to succeed in the future.

Negative and Question Forms

Negative Form

Subject + be + not + likely + to + base verb

Examples:

• The meeting is not likely to finish before 6 PM.
• I am not likely to change my mind about this decision.
• They are not likely to agree with our proposal.

Question Form

Be + subject + likely + to + base verb + ?

Examples:

• Is she likely to accept the job offer?
• Are you likely to visit your parents this weekend?
• Was he likely to pass the driving test on his first try?

Degrees of Likelihood

You can modify "likely" with adverbs to express different degrees of probability:

From Most Certain to Least Certain:

• Very likely to - High probability (80-90%)
• Quite likely to - Good probability (70-80%)
• Likely to - Moderate probability (60-70%)
• Fairly likely to - Some probability (50-60%)
• Not very likely to - Low probability (20-30%)
• Not likely to - Very low probability (10-20%)

Example Sentences:

• The team is very likely to win the match tonight.
• It's quite likely to snow in the mountains this winter.
• She's fairly likely to get the scholarship.
• He's not very likely to change his opinion.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Mistake 1: Forgetting the "be" verb

Wrong: I likely to go home early.
Correct: I am likely to go home early.

❌ Mistake 2: Using "likely" as a verb

Wrong: The price will likely increase.
Correct: The price is likely to increase.

❌ Mistake 3: Wrong word order in questions

Wrong: Is likely she to come?
Correct: Is she likely to come?

❌ Mistake 4: Using infinitive with "to" after "likely"

Wrong: He is likely to going.
Correct: He is likely to go.

Similar Expressions and Alternatives

Here are other ways to express probability that work similarly to "be likely to":

Alternative Expressions:

• Be probable that - It is probable that it will rain.
• Be expected to - The meeting is expected to end at 5 PM.
• Be supposed to - The train is supposed to arrive at 3:30.
• Will probably - I will probably see you tomorrow.
• Chances are - Chances are we'll finish early today.

Practice Examples and Answers

📝 Practice Questions

Question 1: Complete the sentence: "If you study hard, you _____ pass the exam."

Answer: are likely to

Question 2: Make this sentence negative: "She is likely to arrive on time."

Answer: She is not likely to arrive on time.

Question 3: Turn this into a question: "The weather is likely to improve tomorrow."

Answer: Is the weather likely to improve tomorrow?

Question 4: Choose the correct form: "The new policy (is likely to / likely to / will likely) cause some confusion."

Answer: is likely to

Question 5: Complete with the past form: "When I was younger, I _____ become a doctor."

Answer: was likely to

Real-Life Applications

In Business Communication

• "Sales are likely to increase during the holiday season."
• "The project is likely to be completed ahead of schedule."
• "New regulations are likely to affect our operations."

In Academic Writing

• "Students who attend regularly are likely to perform better."
• "This research is likely to contribute to our understanding of the topic."
• "The results are likely to support the hypothesis."

In Daily Conversation

• "I'm likely to be late for dinner tonight."
• "The movie is likely to be crowded on opening night."
• "We're likely to need an umbrella today."

Conclusion: Master "Be Likely To" for Better English

Understanding and correctly using "be likely to" is essential for expressing probability and making predictions in English. This structure allows you to communicate uncertainty and likelihood in a natural, fluent way that native speakers use daily. Practice using this grammar point in different contexts – from casual conversations to formal presentations – and you'll notice a significant improvement in your English communication skills.

Remember: consistent practice with real examples is the key to mastering any grammar point. Start incorporating "be likely to" into your daily English usage, and soon it will become a natural part of your vocabulary!