grammar (prediction) · neutral
be likely to + base verb
Expresses a high probability that something will happen: be likely to + verb.
Examples
“Countries with ageing populations are likely to face labour shortages.”
“This trend is likely to continue in the coming years.”
“Young people are more likely to adopt new technologies quickly.”
Band 8 sentence
“Given current policies and demographic trends, rural areas are likely to experience a sustained decline in young residents.”
Collocations
- be likely to + V
- is unlikely to + V
Common mistakes
is likely doing→is likely to do
likely do→likely to do
will likely to→is likely to
Say it for a higher band
5will + V (simple future)→6likely + V (omitting 'to')→7+be likely to + base verb
Synonyms
be probable to + V
Easily confused
It is likely that + clause
“It is likely that the price will rise next year.”
is probable to + V
“It is probable to happen.”
Related words
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In Tenses
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