HyunWook Park
How to use 'likely' in a sentence I am very confused with using likely in a sentence. He is likely to go home, It is likely to rain. Are they right expressions? I don't know when to use it and the meaning of likely in the sentence. Can you guys give me a clear explanation about using likely? Thanks a lot in advance. Have a nice day or good night!
Jun 28, 2015 8:47 PM
Corrections · 3
I agree with analu but would maybe add that it's meaning is closer to "probable". So, if something is "likely" to happen it means it probably will happen. Equally if something is "unlikely" to happen then it probably won't happen. This is the most common usage of "likely" although there are a few others. For example "That's a likely explanation" would mean that the explanation is quite plausible, and "He is a likely candidate for the job" means that the person is a suitable candidate for the job. I hope this makes sense :D
June 29, 2015
Thanks a lot :) I can understand what you mean. I just need to practice more with using 'likely' in a sentence I suppose. Thank you for your help again!
June 29, 2015
The phrases you have used with the word "likely" are correct! You can think of this word like the word "possible". For example if you say "It is likely that it will rain," it's the same thing as "It is possible that it will rain." "Likely" is used when you are very sure of something. It is like a prediction. For example.... "Do you think he cheated on the test?" - "It is very likely" (here you are saying that it is possible but you are sure of it... so the possibilities are very high). I hope I didn't confuse you. If you have questions let me know.
June 28, 2015
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