structure · neutral

be likely to + V

Band 7+speakingtask2

Use 'be likely to + V' to express that something has a high probability of happening in the future.

Examples

“The project is likely to succeed if funding continues.”

“Children raised in polluted areas are likely to develop health problems.”

“Given the evidence, the plan is likely to be approved.”

Band 8 sentence

“Considering current investment patterns and policy shifts, the sector is likely to experience steady growth over the next decade.”

Collocations

  • is likely to increase/improve/decrease

Word family

be likely to + V structurebe unlikely to + V structure

Common mistakes

People are likely have health problems.→People are likely to have health problems.

It likely to rain tomorrow.→It is likely to rain tomorrow.

Say it for a higher band

5will probably + V→6likely + to + V (omitting 'be')→7+be likely to + V

Synonyms

will probably + V

Easily confused

will probably + V

“Given the trend, the company will probably increase prices next year.”

Related words

look forward to + V-ingtry + V-ing / try to + Vfor + somebody + to + Vavoid + V-ingbegin / start + V-ing / to + Vprevent + somebody + from + V-ingturn out + to + Vas well as + V-ing

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In Gerunds & infinitives

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