likely or probably?

Question

Hi, All.Can someone explain the difference in meaning of likely_ and _probably? I know they both function as adverbs, but why do some choose one over the other?

Philip · Accepted Answer

My gut feeling is that likely is more emphatic.

Fivejedjon · Answer

In British English, likely normally functions only as an adjective, meaning probable.

When we use it as an adverb, it is normally preceded by some other adverb such as more, most or very.
I'll likely see her tomorrow is not natural BrE. These are:
I'll probably see her tomorrow,
I'll most likely see her tomorrow.
I'm likely to see her tomorrow,

Anonymous · Answer

Thanks Sir fivejedjon.

Does this mean that in BrE, likely_ is not used to mean _probably ?

Fivejedjon · Answer

Doess this mean that in BrE, likely is not used to mean probably ?

It does, except when we use it with one of the words I mentioned.

Anonymous · Answer

I see. Thank you so much sir.

likely or probably?

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions