it is likely that vs it is likely to be that

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'It is likely that' is more commonly used and straightforward, while 'it is likely to be that' is a bit more formal and less common. The choice between them depends on the formality of the context.

Last updated: March 24, 2024 • 1227 views

it is likely that

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to express the probability or possibility of something happening. It is a common and straightforward way to convey likelihood.

Examples:

It is likely that it will rain tomorrow.
It is likely that she will be late.
It is likely that the project will be completed on time.

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Even though oxidation stability is controlled, it is likely that shelf life will be limited.
it is likely that Member States continue taking divergent measures.
Therefore, it is likely that their useful life is short.
Under these circumstances, it is likely that long-term investments will only be carried out at the beginning of the duration of a given authorisation.
This point is particularly significant, because it is likely that the new rules will have a very considerable financial impact on food manufacturers and traders.
For instance, it is likely that content will vary across Europe.
However, it is likely that the discount [...].
Even though oxidation stability is controlled, it is likely that shelf life will be limited.
If people move away, it is likely that demand will fall and the cost for users will increase.
The Commission will focus its attention on those cases where it is likely that consumers as a whole will not benefit.
In that case the Community institution or body must examine whether it is likely that this effect will occur.
If the option to tax is not implemented in a similar way, it is likely that distortions of competition between Member States and economic operators will be created.
Both groups of products must be distributed in refrigerated vehicles and it is likely that there are significant overlaps in terms of customers.
In such a case it is likely that having early access to a substantially improved product outweighs the price increase.
In any case, it is likely that obstacles to a truly integrated financial markets will remain in most sectors.
Nevertheless, it is likely that a referendum will take place on the matter in Switzerland.
Should measures not be imposed, it is likely that the negative trends as regards prices, profitability and market share will continue, if not aggravated further.
Furthermore, should the on-going anti-dumping investigation to be terminated without imposing measures, it is likely that dumped imports would rapidly regain market share.
Based on animal data, it is likely that the metabolism of orlistat occurs mainly within the gastrointestinal wall.
Although there are no data at present, it is likely that CYP3A4 is also involved in further metabolism of metabolite 1.

Alternatives:

it is probable that
it is possible that
chances are that
it is expected that
it is anticipated that

it is likely to be that

This phrase is correct but less common than 'it is likely that'. It is a bit more formal in style.

This phrase is also used to express the probability or possibility of something happening, but it is less commonly used than 'it is likely that'. It can be used in more formal contexts.