The phrase ‘be more likely to’ is a common expression used in English to indicate a greater probability or chance of something happening compared to another situation or condition. It plays an important role in both everyday conversations and formal writing when discussing possibilities, predictions, and probabilities. Understanding its meaning, usage, and variations can enhance one’s ability to communicate effectively and clearly express likelihoods in different contexts.
What Does ‘Be More Likely To’ Mean?
At its core, ‘be more likely to’ suggests that one event or outcome has a higher chance of occurring than another. It compares probabilities and shows preference or increased possibility for a specific action or result. The phrase often appears with verbs to describe what someone or something is prone to do or experience.
For example, if someone says, ‘She is more likely to succeed with practice,’ it means that practicing increases her chances of success compared to not practicing.
Key Components of the Phrase
- ‘Be’: The verb ‘be’ acts as the linking verb, which changes form depending on the subject and tense (e.g., is, are, was, were).
- ‘More likely’: This comparative form indicates a greater probability.
- ‘To’: Followed by a base verb, it specifies the action or event that is probable.
Usage of ‘Be More Likely To’ in Sentences
This phrase is often used to talk about chances, risks, habits, or tendencies. It can appear in various tenses depending on the context, including present, past, and future.
Examples in Present Tense
- People who exercise regularly are more likely to stay healthy.
- Children are more likely to learn languages when exposed early.
- Those who eat a balanced diet are more likely to have more energy.
Examples in Past Tense
- He was more likely to get sick because he didn’t rest.
- Students who studied more were more likely to pass the exam.
Examples in Future Tense
- You will be more likely to succeed if you prepare well.
- Those who invest wisely will be more likely to increase their savings.
Grammatical Structure and Variations
Understanding the grammatical structure helps in forming correct sentences using ‘be more likely to.’ Typically, it follows this pattern:
Subject + form of ‘be’ + more likely + to + base verb
For example:
- Sheismore likelyto passthe test.
- Theyaremore likelyto enjoythe movie.
Negative Form
The negative form can be created by adding ‘not’ after the verb ‘be.’
- He is not more likely to agree with the proposal.
- They are not more likely to arrive early.
Questions Form
To form questions, invert the subject and the verb ‘be.’
- Are you more likely to attend the meeting?
- Is she more likely to accept the offer?
Synonyms and Alternative Expressions
While ‘be more likely to’ is very common, there are alternative phrases and expressions with similar meanings, useful for variety or emphasis.
- Have a higher chance of‘People who study hard have a higher chance of passing.’
- Be prone to‘He is prone to catching colds in winter.’
- Be inclined to‘She is inclined to trust her instincts.’
- Be apt to‘Children are apt to learn languages faster.’
Contextual Uses of ‘Be More Likely To’
The phrase is useful in various contexts such as science, statistics, psychology, everyday conversation, and writing. It often appears in discussions about risks, probabilities, behavior patterns, and predictions.
In Scientific or Statistical Contexts
Scientists and researchers frequently use the phrase to describe probabilities based on data and experiments.
- Smokers are more likely to develop lung diseases.
- People exposed to pollution are more likely to experience respiratory problems.
In Everyday Life and Advice
People use this phrase to give advice or predict outcomes based on common sense or experience.
- If you eat junk food regularly, you are more likely to gain weight.
- Those who practice speaking a language daily are more likely to improve quickly.
In Behavioral and Psychological Contexts
Behavioral scientists might talk about tendencies or patterns using ‘be more likely to.’
- People under stress are more likely to make mistakes.
- Children raised in supportive environments are more likely to succeed academically.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While ‘be more likely to’ is straightforward, there are a few mistakes learners often make:
- Incorrect verb form after ‘to’: Always use the base form of the verb after ‘to.’ For example, ‘She is more likely to goes’ is incorrect; it should be ‘She is more likely to go.’
- Confusing comparative form: Use ‘more likely,’ not ‘most likely’ when comparing two possibilities. ‘Most likely’ is used for superlative, meaning the highest probability among many options.
- Omitting ‘to’: The phrase requires ‘to’ before the verb. Saying ‘She is more likely pass’ is incorrect; it should be ‘She is more likely to pass.’
Practice Sentences for Better Understanding
Practicing with sentences can help solidify the understanding of ‘be more likely to.’
- People who read regularly are more likely to have a larger vocabulary.
- Students who arrive on time are more likely to receive good grades.
- Drivers who obey traffic rules are more likely to avoid accidents.
- Those who sleep well are more likely to concentrate during the day.
- Individuals who drink water frequently are more likely to stay hydrated.
The phrase ‘be more likely to’ is an essential tool in English for expressing increased probability or likelihood. It helps speakers and writers communicate comparisons, predictions, and tendencies clearly and effectively. Whether you’re discussing scientific findings, giving advice, or describing personal habits, mastering the use of ‘be more likely to’ will enhance your communication skills. Remember to follow the correct grammatical patterns and avoid common errors to ensure your message is understood accurately. By practicing its usage in various contexts, you can confidently convey nuances related to chance and probability.