More Likely: Synonyms & Alternatives for Expressing Probability

Expressing probability is a fundamental aspect of communication, allowing us to convey the likelihood of events with varying degrees of certainty. While “more likely” is a common phrase, relying on it repeatedly can make your language sound monotonous and less precise. This article explores a wide range of synonyms and alternatives for “more likely,” enhancing your ability to express nuanced probabilities in English. Whether you’re an English language learner, a student, or a professional aiming to refine your writing and speaking skills, this guide will provide you with the necessary tools to articulate probability with greater accuracy and flair.

By mastering these alternatives, you can improve the clarity, impact, and sophistication of your communication, making your message more persuasive and engaging. This comprehensive guide covers definitions, structural breakdowns, examples, usage rules, common mistakes, practice exercises, and advanced topics to ensure a thorough understanding of expressing probability effectively.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Definition of “More Likely”
3. Structural Breakdown
4. Synonyms and Alternatives
   • High Probability
   • Moderate Probability
   • Slightly Higher Probability
   • Formal Alternatives
   • Informal Alternatives
5. Examples
   • High Probability Examples
   • Moderate Probability Examples
   • Slightly Higher Probability Examples
   • Formal Alternatives Examples
   • Informal Alternatives Examples
6. Usage Rules
7. Common Mistakes
8. Practice Exercises
9. Advanced Topics
10. FAQ
11. Conclusion

Definition of “More Likely”

“More likely” is an adjective phrase used to indicate a higher probability or chance of something happening compared to something else. It suggests that one event or outcome is more probable or has a greater chance of occurring than another. The phrase implies a comparative judgment based on available evidence, past experience, or logical reasoning.

Classification: “More likely” functions as a comparative adjective phrase.

Function: Its primary function is to express probability and to compare the likelihood of different events or outcomes.

Contexts: “More likely” is used in various contexts, including:

• Everyday conversation: Discussing everyday events and making predictions.
• Academic writing: Presenting research findings and discussing potential outcomes.
• Business reports: Analyzing market trends and forecasting future performance.
• Legal documents: Assessing the probability of certain events occurring.
• Scientific research: Evaluating the likelihood of experimental results.

Structural Breakdown

The phrase “more likely” is composed of two main elements:

1. “More”: This is a comparative adjective indicating a greater degree of something. In this case, it modifies “likely” to suggest a higher level of probability.
2. “Likely”: This adjective describes the probability or chance of something happening. It suggests that an event is expected or has a good chance of occurring.

The structure “more + adjective” is a common way to form comparative adjectives in English. This structure is used when the adjective has two or more syllables, or when it is being compared to something specific. In the case of “more likely,” it indicates that one event is likelier than another.

For example:

• “It is more likely to rain tomorrow than today.” (Comparing the probability of rain on two different days.)
• “She is more likely to succeed with this strategy.” (Suggesting a higher probability of success with a particular strategy.)

Synonyms and Alternatives

To enrich your vocabulary and express varying degrees of probability, consider the following synonyms and alternatives for “more likely.” These are categorized based on the level of probability they convey.

High Probability

These alternatives indicate a strong likelihood of something happening.

• Probable: Suggests a high degree of likelihood based on evidence or reasoning.
• Highly probable: Emphasizes an even stronger degree of likelihood.
• Almost certain: Indicates a very high level of confidence in the outcome.
• Very likely: A direct and straightforward alternative.
• In all probability: Suggests that the event is highly expected.
• Odds are: An informal way of saying something is very likely.
• Presumably: Indicates that something is likely based on assumptions.

Moderate Probability

These alternatives suggest a reasonable chance of something happening, but not a certainty.

• Possible: Indicates that something could happen, but it’s not guaranteed.
• Conceivable: Suggests that something is imaginable or possible.
• Potentially: Indicates a possibility that could develop into a reality.
• Perhaps: A simple and common way to express uncertainty.
• Maybe: Similar to “perhaps,” indicating a possibility.
• It could be: Suggests a possibility without committing to a definite outcome.

Slightly Higher Probability

These alternatives indicate a marginal increase in likelihood compared to something else.

• Somewhat more likely: Indicates a slight increase in probability.
• Marginally more likely: Similar to “somewhat more likely.”
• A shade more likely: Implies a very slight difference in probability.
• Slightly more probable: Another way to express a small increase in likelihood.
• A bit more likely: An informal way of saying something is slightly more probable.

Formal Alternatives

These alternatives are suitable for academic, professional, or legal contexts.

• It is reasonable to assume: Suggests a logical basis for expecting something.
• It is anticipated that: Indicates an expectation based on prior knowledge or data.
• It is expected that: Similar to “it is anticipated that.”
• The preponderance of evidence suggests: Indicates that the weight of evidence supports a particular outcome.
• It stands to reason that: Suggests a logical conclusion based on given information.

Informal Alternatives

These alternatives are appropriate for casual conversations and informal writing.

• Chances are: A common and informal way to express probability.
• I’d bet: Suggests a strong belief in a particular outcome.
• I reckon: (British English) An informal way of saying “I think” or “I suppose.”
• Likely as not: An idiomatic expression meaning “probably.”
• Ten to one: An informal way of saying something is very likely.

Examples

The following tables provide examples of how to use the synonyms and alternatives for “more likely” in different contexts. Each table focuses on a specific category of alternatives, illustrating their usage with various sentences.

High Probability Examples

This table illustrates how to use alternatives that indicate a strong likelihood.

Alternative	Example Sentence
Probable	It is probable that the meeting will be postponed due to the storm.
Highly probable	It’s highly probable that the company will announce record profits this quarter.
Almost certain	The team is almost certain to win the championship this year.
Very likely	It’s very likely that the new policy will be implemented by next month.
In all probability	In all probability, the flight will be delayed due to the heavy fog.
Odds are	Odds are, he’ll accept the job offer; it’s a great opportunity.
Presumably	Presumably, they’ll be arriving late since their train was delayed.
Likely	It is likely to rain this evening.
Predictable	The outcome was predictable given the circumstances.
Assured	Success is assured with this level of preparation.
Sure	She is sure to pass the exam with flying colors.
Definite	It’s a definite possibility that he will be promoted.
Undoubtedly	He will undoubtedly succeed in his endeavors.
Unquestionably	She is unquestionably the best candidate for the job.
Without a doubt	Without a doubt, this is the best solution.
Beyond question	His loyalty is beyond question.
Certainly	She will certainly be there on time.
Positively	He is positively going to enjoy the party.
Definitely	They are definitely coming to the event.
Undeniably	She is undeniably talented.
Evidently	Evidently, he studied hard for the test.
Clearly	Clearly, he is the right person for the job.
Manifestly	Her talent is manifestly apparent.

Moderate Probability Examples

This table shows how to use alternatives that indicate a reasonable chance, but not a certainty.

Alternative	Example Sentence
Possible	It’s possible that he’ll change his mind if we offer him a better deal.
Conceivable	It’s conceivable that the project could be completed ahead of schedule.
Potentially	The new drug could potentially have significant side effects.
Perhaps	Perhaps she’ll decide to join us for dinner.
Maybe	Maybe we should consider a different approach.
It could be	It could be that the company will merge with its competitor.
Feasible	It is feasible to complete the project within the given timeframe.
Plausible	His explanation seems plausible, but we need more evidence.
Believable	Her story is believable, given the circumstances.
Credible	His testimony was credible and helped the investigation.
Thinkable	It is thinkable that the situation could improve.
Imaginable	It is imaginable that they could win the lottery.
Likely	It is likely that the weather will be pleasant tomorrow.
Fairly likely	It is fairly likely that the event will be well-attended.
Reasonably likely	It is reasonably likely that the stock price will increase.
Quite likely	It is quite likely that he will be late.
Possibly	He will possibly attend the conference.
Conceivably	They could conceivably finish the project early.
Potentially	This plan could potentially solve the problem.
Presumably	She will presumably arrive on time.
Supposedly	He is supposedly a very talented musician.
Allegedly	She is allegedly involved in the scandal.
Purportedly	He is purportedly the owner of the company.

Slightly Higher Probability Examples

This table demonstrates how to use alternatives that indicate a marginal increase in likelihood.

Alternative	Example Sentence
Somewhat more likely	It’s somewhat more likely that she’ll accept the promotion than decline it.
Marginally more likely	He is marginally more likely to pass the test this time.
A shade more likely	The company is a shade more likely to invest in renewable energy.
Slightly more probable	It’s slightly more probable that the meeting will be productive.
A bit more likely	She’s a bit more likely to agree if you explain the benefits.
Just a bit more likely	He is just a bit more likely to win the competition.
Minimally more likely	The risk is minimally more likely to occur in this situation.
Barely more likely	It is barely more likely that the weather will improve.
Gradually more likely	It is gradually more likely that he will change his mind.
Incrementally more likely	It is incrementally more likely that the situation will resolve.
A tad more likely	She is a tad more likely to understand the concept.
A touch more likely	He is a touch more likely to succeed with this strategy.
Ever so slightly more likely	It is ever so slightly more likely that the project will be approved.
Scarcely more likely	It is scarcely more likely that he will attend the event.
Hardly more likely	She is hardly more likely to agree to the proposal.
Just negligibly more likely	The outcome is just negligibly more likely to be positive.
Only slightly more likely	He is only slightly more likely to pass the examination.
A fraction more likely	The chance is a fraction more likely to occur now.
A smidge more likely	She is a smidge more likely to understand the instructions.
A whisker more likely	He is a whisker more likely to win the race.
Faintly more likely	The prospect is faintly more likely to materialize.
Almost imperceptibly more likely	The result is almost imperceptibly more likely to be favorable.
But a bit more likely	It is but a bit more likely that they will come.

Formal Alternatives Examples

This table provides examples of formal alternatives suitable for professional or academic contexts.

Alternative	Example Sentence
It is reasonable to assume	It is reasonable to assume that the economy will continue to grow.
It is anticipated that	It is anticipated that the new regulations will be implemented soon.
It is expected that	It is expected that the company will announce its earnings next week.
The preponderance of evidence suggests	The preponderance of evidence suggests that climate change is accelerating.
It stands to reason that	It stands to reason that investing in education leads to economic growth.
One might reasonably expect	One might reasonably expect that market conditions will remain stable.
It can be plausibly argued that	It can be plausibly argued that the policy has had a positive impact.
It is a tenable hypothesis that	It is a tenable hypothesis that the treatment will prove effective.
It is within the realm of possibility that	It is within the realm of possibility that the company could expand globally.
The available data indicate that	The available data indicate that the trend is likely to continue.
Based on current trends, it is projected that	Based on current trends, it is projected that the population will increase.
Empirical evidence supports the view that	Empirical evidence supports the view that exercise improves mental health.
It is justifiable to conclude that	It is justifiable to conclude that the experiment was a success.
The logical inference is that	The logical inference is that the project is nearing completion.
It is a valid assumption that	It is a valid assumption that customers will respond positively to the new product.
The prevailing view holds that	The prevailing view holds that globalization has both benefits and drawbacks.
It is a defensible position that	It is a defensible position that the government should invest more in education.
The consensus is that	The consensus is that the climate is changing rapidly.
It is generally accepted that	It is generally accepted that exercise promotes good health.
Scholarly research suggests that	Scholarly research suggests that early childhood education is beneficial.
The evidence tends to suggest that	The evidence tends to suggest that the policy is working.
It is commonly believed that	It is commonly believed that a healthy diet is essential for well-being.
Statistical analysis indicates that	Statistical analysis indicates that there is a correlation between income and education.

Informal Alternatives Examples

This table illustrates how to use informal alternatives in casual conversation.

Alternative	Example Sentence
Chances are	Chances are, he’ll forget to bring the cake.
I’d bet	I’d bet she’ll be late; she’s always late.
I reckon	I reckon it’ll rain later today.
Likely as not	Likely as not, they’ll cancel the event because of the weather.
Ten to one	Ten to one, he’ll say yes if you ask him nicely.
I’m guessing	I’m guessing she’ll choose the blue dress.
My guess is	My guess is he’ll arrive around 7 PM.
I have a feeling	I have a feeling they’ll announce good news soon.
I wouldn’t be surprised if	I wouldn’t be surprised if he got promoted.
It wouldn’t shock me if	It wouldn’t shock me if she decided to quit her job.
I’m fairly certain	I’m fairly certain I left my keys at home.
I’m pretty sure	I’m pretty sure I locked the door.
It’s a good bet	It’s a good bet that he’ll win the game.
You can bet on it	You can bet on it that she’ll be there early.
I’m banking on it	I’m banking on it that they’ll deliver the package on time.
It’s on the cards	It’s on the cards that he will be selected for the team.
It’s in the bag	It’s in the bag that the project will be successful.
It’s a shoo-in	It’s a shoo-in that he will win the election.
It’s a cinch	It’s a cinch that she will pass the test.
Bound to happen	It’s bound to happen that the prices will increase.
Sure thing	It’s a sure thing that he will accept the offer.
No doubt	There’s no doubt that she will succeed.
Without fail	He will be there without fail.

Usage Rules

When using synonyms and alternatives for “more likely,” it’s essential to consider the context, audience, and desired level of formality. Here are some general rules to follow:

1. Choose the right level of formality: Use formal alternatives in academic papers, business reports, and legal documents. Opt for informal alternatives in casual conversations and personal correspondence.
2. Consider the degree of probability: Select alternatives that accurately reflect the level of probability you want to convey. For example, use “almost certain” for very high probability and “possible” for moderate probability.
3. Avoid overuse of any single alternative: Variety in language makes your writing and speaking more engaging. Use a range of alternatives to express probability in different ways.
4. Ensure clarity and precision: Choose alternatives that are clear and unambiguous. Avoid using overly complex or obscure language that could confuse your audience.
5. Pay attention to idiomatic expressions: Some alternatives, such as “odds are” and “likely as not,” are idiomatic expressions. Use them appropriately in contexts where they are commonly understood.

Common Mistakes

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using synonyms and alternatives for “more likely”:

Mistake	Correct Example	Incorrect Example
Using informal language in formal contexts	It is anticipated that the project will be completed on time.	Chances are, the project will be done on time.
Using formal language in informal contexts	I think it’s going to rain.	It is reasonable to assume that precipitation is imminent.
Overstating the probability	It is possible that the company will merge.	It is almost certain that the company will merge. (If there is no strong evidence.)
Understating the probability	It is almost certain that the team will win.	It is possible that the team will win. (When they are heavily favored.)
Using ambiguous language	The outcome is somewhat likely.	The outcome is sort of likely. (Vague and unclear.)

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding of synonyms and alternatives for “more likely” with these exercises.

1. Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with the most appropriate alternative.

   Choose from the following options: probable, possible, odds are, it is anticipated that, somewhat more likely

   Question	Answer
   1. The meeting will be postponed due to the weather. It is ______ .	probable
   2. He might change his mind if we offer him a better deal. It’s ______ .	possible
   3. He’ll forget to bring the cake. ______ .	Odds are
   4. The new regulations will be implemented soon. ______ .	it is anticipated that
   5. She’ll accept the promotion than decline it. It’s ______ .	somewhat more likely
   6. It is ______ that the stock market will crash.	possible
   7. ______, they will announce the merger next week.	It is anticipated that
   8. ______ he will arrive late, given the traffic.	Odds are
   9. The project will be completed on time, it is ______ .	probable
   10. It is ______ that he will win the lottery.	possible

2. Exercise 2: Rewrite each sentence using a more formal alternative for “more likely.”
   

   Question	Answer
   1. Chances are, the company will announce record profits.	It is anticipated that the company will announce record profits.
   2. I’d bet she’ll be late.	It is reasonable to assume that she will be late.
   3. Ten to one, he’ll accept the job offer.	It is expected that he will accept the job offer.
   4. The weather will improve, it is likely.	It is reasonable to assume the weather will improve.
   5. The project will succeed, it is a good bet.	It is anticipated that the project will be successful.
   6. It’s a shoo-in that he’ll win the election.	It is expected that he will win the election.
   7. I reckon it will rain later.	It is reasonable to assume that it will rain later.
   8. They will be on time, likely as not.	It is anticipated that they will be on time.
   9. He will agree, it is a good bet.	It is expected that he will agree.
   10. She will understand, likely as not.	It is reasonable to assume that she will understand.

3. Exercise 3: Choose the best alternative to express the given degree of probability.
   

   Question	Options	Answer
   1. Very high probability:	a) Possible b) Probable c) Maybe	b) Probable
   2. Moderate probability:	a) Almost certain b) Possible c) In all probability	b) Possible
   3. Slightly higher probability:	a) A shade more likely b) Very likely c) Perhaps	a) A shade more likely
   4. High probability:	a) Conceivable b) Highly probable c) Maybe	b) Highly probable
   5. Moderate probability:	a) Odds are b) Perhaps c) Almost certain	b) Perhaps
   6. Slightly higher probability:	a) Somewhat more likely b) In all probability c) Definite	a) Somewhat more likely
   7. Very high probability:	a) Possible b) Sure c) Maybe	b) Sure
   8. Moderate probability:	a) Almost certain b) Feasible c) In all probability	b) Feasible
   9. Slightly higher probability:	a) Just a bit more likely b) Likely c) Possible	a) Just a bit more likely
   10. Very high probability:	a) Conceivable b) Definitely c) Maybe	b) Definitely

Advanced Topics

For advanced learners, consider these more complex aspects of expressing probability:

• Conditional Probability: Expressing probability based on certain conditions being met. Example: “If it rains, it is more likely that the game will be cancelled.”
• Bayesian Probability: Updating probabilities based on new evidence. Example: “Based on the new data, it is more likely that our initial hypothesis is incorrect.”
• Quantitative vs. Qualitative Probability: Using numerical probabilities versus descriptive terms. Example: “There is a 70% chance of rain” (quantitative) vs. “It is very likely to rain” (qualitative).
• Subjective vs. Objective Probability: Based on personal beliefs versus empirical data. Example: “I feel it’s more likely we’ll win” (subjective) vs. “Based on the statistics, it’s more likely we’ll win” (objective).

FAQ

1. What is the difference between “likely” and “probable”?

   “Likely” and “probable” are often used interchangeably, but “probable” generally implies a higher degree of certainty based on evidence or reasoning. “Likely” is a more general term for something that has a good chance of happening, while “probable” suggests a stronger basis for expecting the event to occur.

2. How can I express a very low probability?

   To express a very low probability, you can use phrases such as “unlikely,” “improbable,” “remote chance,” “slim chance,” “hardly likely,” or “not very likely.” These phrases indicate that the event is not expected to happen.

3. What
   is the best way to choose between different synonyms for “more likely”?

   The best way to choose between different synonyms is to consider the context, your audience, and the precise degree of probability you want to convey. Formal settings may require terms like “it is anticipated that,” while informal settings are suitable for phrases like “chances are.” Also, consider whether you want to express a high, moderate, or slightly higher probability, and choose the synonym that best reflects that level of certainty.

4. How do I avoid sounding repetitive when expressing probability?

   To avoid repetition, use a variety of synonyms and sentence structures. Instead of repeatedly using “more likely,” mix in alternatives such as “probable,” “possible,” “it is anticipated that,” and “odds are.” Additionally, vary your sentence structure to keep your language fresh and engaging.

5. Are there any regional differences in the usage of these synonyms?

   Yes, some synonyms have regional variations. For example, “I reckon” is more commonly used in British English, while “chances are” is widely used in American English. Be mindful of your audience and choose synonyms that are appropriate for their region.

Conclusion

Mastering synonyms and alternatives for “more likely” can significantly enhance your communication skills. By understanding the nuances of each alternative and using them appropriately, you can express probability with greater precision and sophistication. Whether you’re writing a formal report or engaging in a casual conversation, the ability to articulate probability effectively will make your message more impactful and persuasive. Practice using these alternatives in various contexts to develop fluency and confidence in your communication.