"likely not to" vs "likely to not"

Question

"likely not to" vs "likely to not"

Both "likely not to" and "likely to not" are correct constructions in English. They can be used interchangeably, but the choice between them may depend on personal preference or the flow of the sentence.

Last Updated: April 03, 2024

This phrase is used to indicate a high probability of something not happening.

Examples:

She is likely not to attend the meeting.
It is likely not to rain tomorrow.
He is likely not to finish the project on time.
The team is likely not to win the championship.
The plan is likely not to succeed.

Alternatives:

probably won't
expected not to
unlikely to

This phrase is also used to indicate a high probability of something not happening.

Examples:

She is likely to not attend the meeting.
It is likely to not rain tomorrow.
He is likely to not finish the project on time.
The team is likely to not win the championship.
The plan is likely to not succeed.

Alternatives:

probably won't
expected not to
unlikely to

Answer 1

likely not to

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

likely to not

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.