More likely than not
Hedging expression to soften claims
حرفيًا: Greater probability than the absence of probability
Use it to sound thoughtful and realistic when making a prediction you aren't 100% certain about.
في 15 ثانية
- Means 'probably' or 'better than a 50% chance'.
- Used to soften claims and avoid sounding too bossy.
- Common in professional, academic, and polite social settings.
المعنى
This phrase is a fancy way of saying 'probably' or 'most likely.' It suggests there is a better than 50% chance that something will happen, but you aren't 100% sure.
أمثلة رئيسية
3 من 6Predicting the weather for a picnic
It's more likely than not that we'll see some rain this afternoon.
It is probably going to rain this afternoon.
Discussing a work project deadline
More likely than not, we will finish the report by Friday.
We will probably finish the report by Friday.
Texting a friend about a party
I'll be there, more likely than not, but I might be late.
خلفية ثقافية
This expression reflects the Anglo-American cultural tendency toward 'hedging'—avoiding absolute certainty to remain polite and credible. It gained popularity in legal and scientific writing before becoming a staple of professional and middle-class conversation.
The 'Safe' Phrase
Use this when your boss asks for a guarantee you can't give. It sounds committed but leaves you an exit strategy.
Don't Overuse It
If you use it in every sentence, you'll sound like you are afraid to make a decision. Mix it up with 'probably' or 'I think'.
في 15 ثانية
- Means 'probably' or 'better than a 50% chance'.
- Used to soften claims and avoid sounding too bossy.
- Common in professional, academic, and polite social settings.
What It Means
More likely than not is a classic English 'hedge.' It means something is probable but not guaranteed. Think of it as a 60% to 75% chance. You use it when you want to sound smart and cautious. It is the verbal equivalent of a shrug while wearing a suit.
How To Use It
Place it before the main action or at the end of a sentence. You can say, 'It will more likely than not rain.' Or try, 'The store is closed, more likely than not.' It acts as a buffer for your predictions. It protects your reputation if you happen to be wrong. No one can blame you if the 'less likely' thing happens!
When To Use It
Use it in the office when discussing deadlines. Use it with friends when guessing if a party will be fun. It works great in emails to sound professional yet realistic. It is perfect for weather forecasts or sports predictions. If you are 70% sure your cat will knock over that vase, this is your phrase.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for things that are certain. Do not say it at your wedding about loving your spouse. Avoid it when someone needs a 'yes' or 'no' answer. It can sound annoying if you are too indecisive. If the building is on fire, don't say it's more likely than not hot. Just run!
Cultural Background
English speakers, especially in the UK and US, love being polite. We often avoid being too direct or aggressive with our claims. This phrase comes from a culture of 'understatement.' It feels more humble than saying 'I am sure.' It has a slightly academic or legal history. Now, it is common in everyday educated speech.
Common Variations
Chances are...(More casual)In all likelihood...(More formal)Odds are...(Sounds like a gambler)Probably(The simple, boring version)Most likely(The closest cousin)
ملاحظات الاستخدام
This phrase is a 'neutral' to 'formal' hedge. It is safe for business emails, academic papers, and polite conversation. Avoid it in high-emotion situations where people expect certainty.
The 'Safe' Phrase
Use this when your boss asks for a guarantee you can't give. It sounds committed but leaves you an exit strategy.
Don't Overuse It
If you use it in every sentence, you'll sound like you are afraid to make a decision. Mix it up with 'probably' or 'I think'.
The British Twist
In the UK, this is often used with 'I should think,' as in 'I should think so, more likely than not.' It adds an extra layer of politeness.
أمثلة
6It's more likely than not that we'll see some rain this afternoon.
It is probably going to rain this afternoon.
Softens the weather forecast so you aren't blamed for the rain.
More likely than not, we will finish the report by Friday.
We will probably finish the report by Friday.
Professional way to manage expectations without promising too much.
I'll be there, more likely than not, but I might be late.
Casual way to say 'I'm planning to come.'
If there is a pizza in the fridge, Dave will eat it, more likely than not.
Dave will probably eat that pizza.
Uses a formal phrase for a silly, predictable behavior.
More likely than not, they just weren't right for each other.
They probably weren't a good match.
Provides a gentle, speculative reason for a sad event.
The board will, more likely than not, approve the new budget.
The board will probably approve the budget.
Sounds authoritative yet cautious in a high-stakes environment.
اختبر نفسك
Choose the best position for the phrase to sound natural.
The train is delayed, ___.
The phrase usually sits at the very end of a statement or right before the verb.
Complete the sentence to express a 70% probability.
He will ___ forget his keys again.
This phrase expresses high probability without the 100% certainty of 'definitely'.
🎉 النتيجة: /2
وسائل تعلم بصرية
Formality of 'More Likely Than Not'
Using 'Probably' or 'Maybe'
He'll probably show up.
Standard daily use
More likely than not, he'll be there.
Professional/Legal hedging
It is more likely than not that the defendant...
When to use 'More Likely Than Not'
Office Deadlines
We'll finish on time, more likely than not.
Weather
It'll snow, more likely than not.
Social Plans
I'll join you, more likely than not.
Predictions
They'll win, more likely than not.
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةYes, but it sounds slightly more sophisticated. Use more likely than not when you want to emphasize the logic behind your guess.
Absolutely. It is very common in academic writing to avoid making 'absolute' claims that might be proven wrong.
It usually goes between the subject and the verb, like He will, more likely than not, arrive late, or at the very end.
Not at all! It can even sound a bit funny or ironic if you use it for something very simple, like I'll eat that cookie, more likely than not.
The opposite would be unlikely or less likely than not, though the latter is much less common.
No, it specifically means the chance is *higher* than 50%. It's a 'leaning yes' phrase.
Yes, more than likely is a very common variation that means exactly the same thing.
Yes, it is actually a legal standard called 'preponderance of evidence.' It means something is more than 50% likely to be true.
Yes! You can say, More likely than not, he forgot his phone at home.
It can if used too much. If someone asks 'Do you love me?' do NOT use this phrase!
عبارات ذات صلة
More than likely
A slightly shorter, very common variation.
In all probability
A more formal way to say the same thing.
Ten to one
An idiom suggesting a very high probability (90%).
Odds are
A casual way to discuss probability.
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