likely
Use “likely” when a situation is very possible.
Words that end in “ly” are usually adverbs. This word can be used as an adverb or as an adjective.
likely = probably
The word "likely" is an adjective in these examples.
- Rain is likely for this evening.
- How likely is it?
- That’s a likely outcome.
- It’s unlikely that he’s going to win the election. (To make “likely” negative, add the prefix “un.”
- A win is unlikely.
- It’s highly likely that they will lose the game.
- Time in jail is a very likely punishment for someone who has committed a felony. (felony = serious crime)
- His success is likely because he works so hard.
The word "likely" is an adverb in these examples.
- All of this humidity will likely result in rain. (The word “likely” modifies the verb “result,” which makes “likely” an adverb.)
- It’s likely to rain. (The infinitive, “to rain,” is modified by “likely.”)
- He likely forgot his appointment was at 2:00. (likely + forgot = adverb + verb)
- They will likely need a bigger house after the birth of their third child.
- The tree is likely to come down because most of it is dead.
- A person with that kind of cancer is likely to survive it.
- You’re likely to get sick if you don’t cook meat properly.
- He’s likely to succeed.
- That rabbit is likely to get caught by the coyote that lives in the area.
Here are some ways to form questions with "likely.
- How likely is it?
- How likely is it that…
- Is it likely?
- Is it likely that….
- What is the likely impact from _______________?
- What is the likely impact from climate change?
- What is the most likely result?
- How likely is she to give up her beautiful car?
- Is it likely that she will ever sell her car?
- Is she likely to sell it?