It seems likely that
Hedging expression to soften claims
Use this to sound professional and avoid being blamed if your prediction is wrong.
15秒でわかる
- A polite way to express a strong possibility without being blunt.
- Used to soften claims and sound more objective or professional.
- Perfect for predictions, office meetings, and cautious opinions.
意味
This is a polite way to say you think something is true, but you aren't 100% sure. It helps you sound smarter and less aggressive by leaving a little room for error.
主な例文
3 / 6Predicting a project delay
It seems likely that the project will be delayed by a week.
It seems likely that the project will be delayed by a week.
Guessing why a friend is late
It seems likely that he missed the bus again.
It seems likely that he missed the bus again.
Discussing the weather
It seems likely that it's going to rain this afternoon.
It seems likely that it's going to rain this afternoon.
文化的背景
This phrase reflects the 'Anglo-Saxon' cultural preference for hedging and indirectness in professional settings. It allows speakers to maintain 'face' and avoid direct confrontation if a prediction turns out to be incorrect. It is a staple of 'Corporate English' and academic writing.
The 'That' Secret
In casual conversation, you can delete the word `that`. Just say `It seems likely we'll be late.` It sounds much more like a native speaker!
Don't Over-Hedge
If you use too many phrases like this in one paragraph, you'll sound like you have no confidence. Use it once to set the tone, then be direct.
15秒でわかる
- A polite way to express a strong possibility without being blunt.
- Used to soften claims and sound more objective or professional.
- Perfect for predictions, office meetings, and cautious opinions.
What It Means
It seems likely that is a classic 'hedging' phrase. It means you have evidence for a claim. However, you aren't ready to bet your life on it. It moves a statement from a hard fact to a strong probability. It is like saying 'I'm 80% sure.'
How To Use It
Put this phrase at the very start of your sentence. Follow it with a full clause (subject + verb). For example: It seems likely that we will win. You can also drop the word that in casual speech. It sounds natural and fluid. Use it when you want to look objective. It shows you are thinking before you speak.
When To Use It
Use this in the office when discussing deadlines. Use it with friends when predicting the weather. It is perfect for analyzing sports or politics. It works well when you want to avoid being blamed if you are wrong. It is the ultimate 'safety net' for your opinions.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for absolute certainties. If you are standing in the rain, don't say it seems likely it's raining. That just sounds weirdly robotic. Avoid it in high-stakes emergencies. Nobody wants to hear It seems likely that the building is on fire. Just shout 'Fire!' and run. Also, avoid it if you want to sound bold and commanding.
Cultural Background
English speakers, especially in the UK and North America, love 'understatement.' We often avoid being too direct because it can seem rude or arrogant. This phrase comes from a culture of politeness and scientific caution. It is the language of diplomats and researchers. It suggests you are a reasonable person who considers all sides.
Common Variations
It appears likely that(Slightly more formal)It seems probable that(Very academic)It looks like(The casual, cool younger brother)Chances are(Great for a bit of a gamble)
使い方のコツ
This phrase sits comfortably in the 'formal' to 'neutral' range. It is highly effective in professional emails and academic essays to avoid making 'sweeping generalizations' or sounding too aggressive.
The 'That' Secret
In casual conversation, you can delete the word `that`. Just say `It seems likely we'll be late.` It sounds much more like a native speaker!
Don't Over-Hedge
If you use too many phrases like this in one paragraph, you'll sound like you have no confidence. Use it once to set the tone, then be direct.
The British 'Maybe'
In the UK, this phrase is often used to be polite when you are actually 100% sure. It's a way to avoid sounding 'bossy'.
例文
6It seems likely that the project will be delayed by a week.
It seems likely that the project will be delayed by a week.
Softens bad news for the boss.
It seems likely that he missed the bus again.
It seems likely that he missed the bus again.
Making a logical guess based on past behavior.
It seems likely that it's going to rain this afternoon.
It seems likely that it's going to rain this afternoon.
A safe prediction based on dark clouds.
It seems likely that you'll break that glass if you keep spinning it.
It seems likely that you'll break that glass if you keep spinning it.
Using formal language for a humorous, 'told-you-so' effect.
It seems likely that I'll be late, don't wait for me!
It seems likely that I'll be late, don't wait for me!
Polite way to manage expectations via text.
It seems likely that we want different things in life.
It seems likely that we want different things in life.
Using soft language to handle a sensitive emotional topic.
自分をテスト
Choose the best word to complete the professional prediction.
It ___ likely that the market will recover by Q4.
`Seems` is the standard verb used in this specific hedging expression for professional contexts.
Complete the sentence to sound cautious about a guest's arrival.
It seems likely ___ they forgot about the party.
The conjunction `that` connects the hedging phrase to the main observation.
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ビジュアル学習ツール
Ways to say 'Maybe'
Very casual and quick.
Probably.
Good for everyday talk.
It looks like...
Professional and cautious.
It seems likely that...
Academic or legal.
It appears highly probable that...
When to use 'It seems likely that'
Office Meeting
Predicting sales growth
Scientific Report
Explaining a result
Polite Rejection
Saying you can't go out
News Broadcast
Reporting on an election
よくある質問
10 問Not at all! While it is common in reports, people use it in spoken English to sound thoughtful and balanced. For example, It seems likely that the game will be cancelled.
Appears is slightly more formal than seems. You would use appears in a legal document and seems when talking to your colleagues.
Yes, just change the second part of the sentence. Example: It seems likely that they forgot.
It's similar, but It seems likely that sounds more objective. I think is just your personal opinion, while It seems likely suggests you have evidence.
Just add 'unlikely'. Say It seems unlikely that we will finish on time.
Yes! Adding highly makes you sound even more certain. It seems highly likely that... means you are about 95% sure.
It looks like is the informal version. Use it with friends, but use It seems likely in a job interview.
No, you can use any tense after that. For example: It seems likely that he is/was/will be there.
It adds more weight to the sentence. Probably is a quick adverb, but It seems likely that creates a more sophisticated structure.
Yes, it is perfect for emails. It makes your suggestions sound like well-reasoned advice rather than demands.
関連フレーズ
In all probability
A very formal way to say something is likely.
The odds are that
Used when talking about chances or statistics.
I would venture to say
A very polite, old-fashioned way to give an opinion.
All signs point to
Used when there is a lot of evidence for a conclusion.
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