Likely be vs Likely to be

Both "likely be" and "likely to be" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Likely to be" is more commonly used and considered more formal. "Likely be" is used in informal speech or writing.

Last updated: April 01, 2024 • 223 views

This phrase is correct in informal speech or writing.

"Likely be"

This phrase is commonly used in informal contexts. It is a shortened form of "likely to be."

Examples:

He'll likely be late for the meeting.
She might likely be the one to win the competition.

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Technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing will mostly likely be consumed through public cloud.
Now, larger objects will more likely be affected.
She would likely be thinking of catching Kira.
It'll most likely be an anonymous moment...
The nerve gas will most likely be released into a ventilation unit.
The paralysis will likely be permanent.
Although they'll likely be spared.
I'd likely be experiencing shortness of life.
I will likely be replaced by someone more amenable to Cohen.
Or something very unfortunate will most likely be happening to you extremely soon.
Life will likely be easier for working folk.
The paralysis will most likely be permanent.
The males will more likely be decorative and colorful.
The increase in guaranteed maximum quantities would most likely be used to cover existing surpluses.
Corporate welfare as we know it would likely be ended.
Hell... This keeps up won't likely be anybody left walking around here free.
That will most likely be their defense.
But it'll likely be an internship.
The results would likely be paradoxical.
If you fail, I will more than likely be executed as a traitor.

Alternatives:

likely to be
probably be
expected to be
going to be
bound to be

This phrase is more commonly used and considered more formal.

"Likely to be"

This phrase is the standard form and is more commonly used in formal contexts. It is used to indicate a high probability of something happening.

Examples:

It is likely to be a sunny day tomorrow.
She is likely to be promoted soon.

Show examples from the web [+]

More clarifications on the application of the Charter are likely to be necessary in the near future.
There are likely to be areas that can be improved.
Distortions of competition are likely to be enhanced if the beneficiary of the aid has market power.
It is likely to be in the small hours of the morning.
This is likely to be a one-way trip.
As a consequence, the necessary checks are likely to be completed later than usual.
This is likely to be the last occasion Ireland receives substantial financial support from the EU.
Likely to be currently in a process of reassignment to another function.
"Most Likely to be a Cover Girl".
"Most Likely to be a Shark's Cheerleader"?
Olympic gold medalist for archery, a BAFTA Award-winner for her documentary on her Grammy Award-winning album, and the person voted "Most Likely to be Banksy." So without further ado, take it away from me!
It's likely to be a very cheap funeral...
This cooperation is likely to be exempted.
Service quality and innovation are likely to be improved.
Plastic toilet paper dispensers are likely to be the cheapest.
Objects connected with dreams were likely to be converted into fetishes.
There will be bugs everywhere, power is likely to be defective.
If you fall in the water is likely to be bitten.
This explosion is likely to be related with previous bombings.
Airlines operate in the knowledge that peak time flights are likely to be subject to air traffic control delays.

Alternatives:

likely be
probably be
expected to be
going to be
bound to be

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Likely be vs Likely to be

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