Likely and Unlikely

Likely and unlikely are adjectives. We use them to say that something will probably happen or
not happen in the future. We can use them before a noun, or with the verbs be,
seem and appear:
What is the most likely outcome of the referendum?
It seems unlikely that inflation will fall below 3% this year.
We can follow likely or unlikely by a verb in the to-infinitive form:
The economy is likely to recover slowly after the long recession.
Are you likely to want this cardboard box or shall I throw it out?
The weather seems unlikely to change over the next few days.
Instead of unlikely, we can say not likely:
Zoes not likely to arrive before eight oclock. She doesnt finish work till seven.
We can also follow likely and unlikely by a that-clause with will. This pattern is less common
than likely/unlikely + to-infinitive:
It is likely that there will be a general election next year. or There is likely to be a
general election next year.
It seems unlikely that space travel for ordinary people will become common in the near
future.
We can use adverbs such as very, quite, highly and extremely before likely andunlikely to make
their meaning stronger:
The government is very likely to propose changes to the income tax system soon.
I think its highly unlikely that shell get into university with the test scores she has.
We can compare how probable different things are using likely and unlikely withas
as, more, (the) most, less and (the) least:
Steve is as likely to get the job as Dora. Theyre both very well qualified.
People are more likely to take climate change seriously if they can understand the
economic consequences for their own lives.
Kevin is (the) least likely to want to get married of all his friends.

Comparing to Probably
Will + Probably + Infinitive
1. It will probably rain
2. I will probably go to the beach
3. Youll probably pass your English exam because youre studying hard

To be + likely + to inf / It is + likely + that clause

1. Its likely to rain
2. Im likely to go to the beach
3. Youre likely to pass your English exam because youre stuying hard