In everyday conversation and writing, the phrase be less likely to is commonly used to express a decreased probability or chance that something will happen. It is a useful expression to describe situations where the occurrence of an event or behavior is reduced compared to another condition or scenario. Understanding how to use be less likely to correctly can help speakers and writers communicate ideas about probability, prediction, and comparison clearly and effectively. This topic explores the meaning, usage, and examples of be less likely to, providing a comprehensive guide for learners and native speakers alike.
What Does Be Less Likely To Mean?
The phrase be less likely to means that there is a smaller chance or lower probability that a particular event or outcome will occur. It is used to indicate a decrease in likelihood compared to something else. For example, saying People who exercise regularly are less likely to get sick means that regular exercisers have a smaller chance of becoming ill than those who do not exercise.
Breaking Down the Phrase
- Be The verb be is the linking verb that connects the subject to the rest of the phrase.
- Less Indicates a reduction or decrease in amount or degree.
- Likely Means probable or having a good chance of occurring.
- To A preposition used here to introduce the verb that follows, expressing the action or event.
When combined, the phrase shows that the subject has a reduced chance of performing an action or experiencing an event compared to others.
How to Use Be Less Likely To in Sentences
Be less likely to can be used in various sentence structures, usually followed by a verb in its base form. It often appears in comparisons, explanations, or predictions.
- Comparisons: Children who eat healthy foods are less likely to suffer from obesity.
- Explanations: People who get enough sleep are less likely to feel tired during the day.
- Predictions: Drivers who obey traffic rules are less likely to get into accidents.
The phrase is usually followed by verbs such as get, become, experience, or any action verb relevant to the context.
Positive vs. Negative Constructions
Although be less likely to expresses a reduced chance, it often highlights positive outcomes by emphasizing what is avoided or prevented. For example, less likely to catch a cold points to a beneficial reduction in illness risk.
However, the phrase can also be used in neutral or negative contexts depending on what is being described. For instance, less likely to succeed implies a reduced chance of positive achievement.
Common Situations Where Be Less Likely To Is Used
This phrase is versatile and found in many areas such as health, behavior, education, psychology, and everyday decision-making.
Health and Wellness
In health-related discussions, be less likely to is used to describe risk factors and preventive measures.
- People who exercise regularly are less likely to develop heart disease.
- Those who quit smoking are less likely to suffer from lung problems.li>
Behavior and Social Science
The phrase helps explain behavioral tendencies and social outcomes.
- Teenagers who engage in extracurricular activities are less likely to drop out of school.
- Employees who receive proper training are less likely to make mistakes.li>
Education and Learning
In education, it helps to describe chances related to learning success or failure.
- Students who study regularly are less likely to fail exams.li>
- Children with access to quality education are less likely to struggle academically.li>
Synonyms and Alternative Phrases
Other phrases with similar meanings can be used in place of be less likely to, depending on context.
- Have a lower chance of: People who eat fruits have a lower chance of getting sick.
- Are unlikely to: Those who prepare well are unlikely to fail.
- Are at reduced risk of: Smokers who quit are at reduced risk of lung disease.
- Are less prone to: People with strong immune systems are less prone to infections.li>
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When using be less likely to, it is important to pair it correctly with verbs and maintain clear sentence structure.
- Avoid double negatives: He is less unlikely to go is incorrect and confusing. Use less likely to go.
- Use base form of verb after to: Correct: less likely to succeed. Incorrect: less likely to succeeds.
- Ensure subject-verb agreement: She is less likely to arrive late (not are).
Examples in Everyday Conversation
To see how be less likely to works in real-life sentences, here are some practical examples:
- If you eat a balanced diet, you are less likely to feel tired.
- People who wear seat belts are less likely to get seriously injured in a car crash.
- Students who ask questions are less likely to misunderstand the lesson.
- Those who practice good hygiene are less likely to catch contagious diseases.
The phrase be less likely to is a valuable tool in English for expressing a decreased probability or chance of something happening. Whether you want to talk about health, behavior, education, or daily life, this phrase helps convey ideas clearly and effectively. By understanding its structure, proper use, and common contexts, you can improve your communication skills and make your statements more precise. Remember to use the base form of the verb after to, avoid double negatives, and ensure your subject agrees with the verb. Mastering be less likely to allows you to discuss probability, comparisons, and predictions with confidence and clarity.