In everyday English, certain phrases help us express probabilities and tendencies clearly and effectively. One such phrase is be more likely to. This expression is commonly used to describe situations where one event or outcome has a higher chance of occurring compared to another. Understanding how to use be more likely to correctly can greatly enhance your communication, especially when discussing predictions, comparisons, or tendencies. This topic explores the meaning, usage, grammar, and examples of be more likely to, providing a comprehensive guide to mastering this useful phrase.
Understanding the Meaning of Be More Likely To
The phrase be more likely to is used to indicate that something has a greater probability or chance of happening. It often compares two or more possibilities, highlighting which one is expected to occur more frequently or with higher likelihood. It is a way to express a tendency or probability rather than a certainty.
For example, if you say, People who exercise regularly are more likely to stay healthy, you mean that the chance of staying healthy is greater for people who exercise regularly compared to those who don’t.
Key Components of the Phrase
- Be: This is the verb to be, which can be conjugated according to the subject and tense.
- More likely: The comparative form indicating higher probability.
- To + base verb: This shows the action or event that is probable to happen.
Grammar and Structure
Using be more likely to follows a specific grammatical structure:
- Subject + be (am/is/are/was/were) + more likely to + base verb
- Examples:
- She is more likely to arrive early.
- They were more likely to accept the offer.
- I am more likely to watch a movie tonight.
The verb to be changes according to the subject and tense, while more likely to remains the same. The base verb follows immediately after to and is always in its simplest form.
Using Be More Likely To in Different Contexts
This phrase is versatile and used in various contexts such as everyday conversations, scientific discussions, reports, and advice. Let’s explore some common contexts:
Comparisons Between Groups
When comparing groups, be more likely to highlights differences in probability.
- Children who read regularly are more likely to perform well in school.
- People who smoke are more likely to develop lung diseases.
These sentences show that one group has a higher chance of a particular outcome than another.
Predicting Outcomes
It is often used to predict what might happen based on certain conditions or behaviors.
- If the weather stays cold, we are more likely to have a snowy winter.
- With proper training, you are more likely to succeed in your career.
Giving Advice or Warnings
Be more likely to can be used to warn about risks or encourage positive behaviors.
- You are more likely to get sick if you don’t wash your hands regularly.
- Driving carefully makes you more likely to avoid accidents.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Despite being straightforward, learners sometimes make mistakes when using be more likely to. Here are a few tips to avoid errors:
- Don’t use the infinitive verb incorrectly: Always use the base verb after to. For example, say more likely to go, not more likely to goes or to going.
- Match the verb to be with the subject: Use is with singular subjects, are with plural, and adjust for past tense accordingly.
- Avoid confusing likely with likely that: Be more likely to + verb is followed by an action, while likely that introduces a clause. Example: She is more likely to win vs It is likely that she will win. Both are correct but different structures.
Synonyms and Related Expressions
If you want to vary your language or find alternatives for be more likely to, here are some useful options:
- Have a higher chance of: People who study more have a higher chance of passing exams.
- Be prone to: Older adults are prone to certain health issues.
- Be inclined to: He is inclined to trust his instincts.
- Be apt to: Children are apt to learn languages quickly.
Examples of Be More Likely To in Sentences
Here are more examples to help you understand and use this phrase confidently:
- People who get enough sleep are more likely to have better concentration.
- Students who ask questions are more likely to understand the lesson.
- Customers who receive good service are more likely to return.
- Teenagers who participate in sports are more likely to stay physically fit.
- Those who plan their work carefully are more likely to meet deadlines.
How to Practice Using Be More Likely To
Practice is key to mastering any phrase. Here are ways you can practice be more likely to:
- Make Comparisons: Write sentences comparing two groups or situations using be more likely to.
- Predict Outcomes: Use it to guess what might happen based on conditions or behavior.
- Answer Questions: Respond to questions like Who is more likely to succeed? or What are you more likely to do this weekend? using the phrase.
The phrase be more likely to is an essential part of English for expressing probability, tendency, and comparisons. It helps speakers convey that one event or behavior has a greater chance of happening than another, adding clarity and nuance to communication. By understanding its structure, meaning, and common uses, you can confidently incorporate be more likely to into your conversations and writing. Remember to practice regularly, pay attention to grammar rules, and use examples to make your language sound natural and precise.