How do you use "likely / unlikely / bound to" in a sentence?

It's likely to rain later. She's unlikely to accept the offer. They're bound to find out eventually. The traffic is likely to be heavy.

likely / unlikely / bound to

Q: What does "likely / unlikely / bound to" mean?

Expressing probability 'Likely' and 'unlikely' express probability: 'It's likely to rain.' 'She's unlikely to agree.' 'Bound to' means almost certain: 'He's bound to be late.' These are followed by to-infinitive.

Grammar Pattern BritishAmericanAustralian ★★★★☆ Common Neutral

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Meaning: Expressing probability

表达可能性

Expresar probabilidad

可能性を表現する

가능성을 표현하기

'Likely' and 'unlikely' express probability: 'It's likely to rain.' 'She's unlikely to agree.' 'Bound to' means almost certain: 'He's bound to be late.' These are followed by to-infinitive.

'Likely to'表达可能：'It's likely to rain'。'Bound to'表达确定性：'They're bound to find out'。'Unlikely to'表达低可能性。这些表达比情态动词更具体。

'Likely to' expresa probabilidad: 'It's likely to rain.' 'Bound to' expresa certeza: 'They're bound to find out.' 'Unlikely to' expresa baja probabilidad. Estas expresiones son más específicas que los modales.

「Likely to」は可能性を表します：「It's likely to rain」。「Bound to」は確実性を表します：「They're bound to find out」。「Unlikely to」は低い可能性を表します。これらの表現は法助動詞より具体的です。

'Likely'와 'unlikely'는 가능성을 표현합니다: 'It's likely to rain.' 'She's unlikely to agree.' 'Bound to'는 거의 확실함을 의미합니다: 'He's bound to be late.' 이들 뒤에는 to부정사가 옵니다.

Examples

It's likely to rain later.
待会儿可能会下雨。
Es probable que llueva más tarde.
後で雨が降りそうです。
나중에 비가 올 가능성이 있습니다.
She's unlikely to accept the offer.
她不太可能接受这个提议。
Es poco probable que acepte la oferta.
彼女はその申し出を受け入れそうにありません。
그녀는 그 제안을 수락하지 않을 것 같습니다.
They're bound to find out eventually.
他们最终肯定会发现的。
Seguro que lo descubren tarde o temprano.
彼らはいずれ必ず知ることになるでしょう。
그들은 결국 반드시 알게 될 것입니다.
The traffic is likely to be heavy.
交通可能会很拥堵。
Es probable que haya mucho tráfico.
交通渋滞がありそうです。
교통 체증이 심할 가능성이 있습니다.

Pronunciation

Usage Guide

Context: spoken, written, everyday

Tone: predictive

✓ Do Say

She's likely to call soon.
待会儿可能会下雨。
Es probable que llueva más tarde.
後で雨が降りそうです。
그녀가 곧 전화할 것 같아요.
They're unlikely to agree.
她不太可能接受这个提议。
Es poco probable que acepte la oferta.
彼女はその申し出を受け入れそうにありません。
그들이 동의할 가능성은 낮아요.
It's bound to happen.
他们最终肯定会发现的。
Seguro que lo descubren tarde o temprano.
彼らはいずれ必ず知るでしょう。
그것은 반드시 일어날 거예요.
It's likely to rain.
交通可能会很拥堵。
Es probable que haya mucho tráfico.
交通渋滞がありそうです。
비가 올 것 같아요.
She is bound to agree.
She is bound to agree.
Seguro que ella estará de acuerdo.
彼女はきっと賛成するでしょう。
그녀는 분명히 동의할 거예요.

✗ Don't Say

It's likely rain. (need 'to')
It's likely rain.（需要加'to'）
It's likely rain. (falta 'to')
It's likely rain.（'to'が必要です）
It's likely rain. ('to'가 필요함)
She is bound agree. (need 'to')
She is bound agree.（需要加'to'）
She is bound agree. (falta 'to')
She is bound agree.（'to'が必要です）
She is bound agree. ('to'가 필요함)

Origin & History

Probability expressions

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal