For possible future use vs for likely future use

Both phrases are correct, but they convey slightly different levels of certainty. 'For possible future use' implies that something may be used in the future but is not certain, while 'for likely future use' suggests a higher probability of being used. The choice between the two depends on the degree of certainty you want to convey.

Last updated: March 27, 2024 • 665 views

For possible future use

This phrase is correct and commonly used to indicate that something may be used in the future.

This phrase is used to suggest that something is being kept or prepared for potential use at a later time.

Examples:

I'm saving these documents for possible future use.

Show examples from the web [+]

(Reserved for possible future use in the harmonised system)
Annex 7 (Reserved for possible future use in the Harmonised System)
(Reserved for possible future use in the Harmonised System)
Reserved for possible future use in the HS
77 (Reserved for possible future use in the harmonised system)
Typically they are fields which have been foreseen for possible future use, or they are used locally within national systems.
Typically they are messages which have been foreseen for possible future use within one of the defined groups, or they are used locally within national systems.

Alternatives:

for potential future use
for potential use in the future
for potential future reference
for potential future purposes
for potential future applications

for likely future use

This phrase is correct and conveys a higher probability of something being used in the future.

This phrase is used to indicate that something is being kept or prepared for a probable use at a later time.

Examples:

These materials are being stored for likely future use.

Show examples from the web [+]

The findings of the evaluation formed part of the basic documentation for a workshop on safer use of new online technologies at which leading experts in the field examined the likely future evolution of the issues addressed by the action plan laid down in Decision
Funds arising from non-distributed benefits or funds set aside by the FVC in anticipation of likely future payments and obligations are also included.
It must also, as far as possible, refer to the company's likely future development in the current financial year.
Strategy papers place great emphasis on analysing individual countries' and regions' constraints to take account of past, current and likely future crises.
The full benefits from the operation of automatic stabilisers can only be reaped if public finances are sustainable, since economic agents otherwise adjust their behaviour in anticipation of likely future fiscal measures.
The report provides an excellent insight into the arrangements employed by the Member States for dealing with radioactive waste and likely future trends in this area.
b) the likely future development of traffic;
indications of the issuer's likely future development.
As also many of the other buildings required significant refurbishment the report concluded that the likely future rental income would not even cover normal maintenance and operating costs.
Funds arising from non-distributed benefits or funds set aside by reporting agents in anticipation of likely future payments and obligations are also included.
Funds arising from non-distributed benefits or funds set aside by reporting OFIs in anticipation of likely future payments and obligations are also included.
the likely future development of traffic;
the company's likely future development; and
The World Health Organization report confirms earlier statements that there are still many knowledge gaps involving likely future patterns of exposure to climatic environmental changes and the vulnerability and adaptability of physical, ecological and social systems as regards such climate change.
Does the Commission have information about likely future production volumes in Russian gas fields?
Objections can be countered with a question: everyone should ask themselves what would have happened in their own country if their national currency had been left alone face-to-face with past, present and likely future crises.
In July 2004 the European Economic and Social Committee invited players from the entire production chain to a hearing in order to obtain a detailed picture of the current and likely future situation.
Various ideas were floated for future uses of the building.
You may want to log it away for future use.
Logging that one up here for future use.

Alternatives:

for probable future use
for probable use in the future
for probable future reference
for probable future purposes
for probable future applications

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For possible future use vs for likely future use