"There's likely to be something" is the expression correct?

Question

One of my teacher told us to use the expression: there is likely to be something. He mentioned "be likely to be" equals to "may be" so he transfered the sentence "there may be something" into this.

I think he was completely wrong. In my very first days learning English I've been told in the expression "there is something", "something" is the subject. The correct order and logic of "there be" sentence should be "something is there".

According to this basic grammar, we can't say "there is likely to be something", which made the subject in an awkward place, can we?

Yearning for answers. thanks!

AlpheccaStars · Accepted Answer

Are these what you are looking for?

There is likely to be rain tomorrow.

There is likely to be trouble during the demonstration.

There is likely to be a tsunami on the coast after an earthquake at sea.

There is likely to be some friction between the two candidates when they debate.

There is likely to be less popular support for a candidate who is short and clumsy than one who is tall and elegant.

Elfalite · Answer

Well, so, there Is some sort of expressions like this, you mean?~

I still wonder where the subject is. How do we explain this expression in grammar?~

AlpheccaStars · Answer

The introductory (existential) "there" is similar to the "dummy it". The subject follows the verb. One grammar book calls this type of sentence an "existential clause." Here are some examples:

There are snakes swimming in the bayous.

There will be snakes hanging in trees along the trails.

There have been many snake bites reported in this area.

There are likely to be snakes in the bayous, so be careful.

There won't be many tickets available for the concert. The event is nearly sold out.

There aren't likely to be any tickets left when you go to buy one.

Reference:

http://books.google.com/books?id=qlxDqB4ldx4C&pg=PA249&lpg=PA249&dq=english+grammar+%22dummy+it%22+%22existential+clause%22&source=bl&ots=WPDFb_flt4&sig=U9acIc_OW4aCmWZuwm74lPKjvgA&hl=en&ei=hPveTofPO_CIsALqw42uBw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CB0Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false

Anonymous · Answer

I find your question really interesting: if we say "there is something", then this is equivalent to "something is"; equally, if we say "there is likely to be something", then this is the same as saying "something is likely to be". Does is sound logical?

CalifJim · Answer

Anonymousif we say "there is something", then this is equivalent to "something is"

Almost. There is says that something or somebody exists.

There is a book on the table. ~ A book "exists" (is located) on the table.

Anonymous"there is likely to be something"

This phrasing brings in the idea "It is likely that ...".

Suppose we have: It is likely that there will be a riot on Elm Street tomorrow. This can be transformed by bringing "likely" into the clause with "there will be", like this: There is likely to be a riot on Elm Street tomorrow. It's a different way of saying the same thing.

We would not say A riot is likely to be on Elm Street tomorrow, so the transformation is probably not exactly what you had in mind when you asked your question.

CJ

"There's likely to be something" is the expression correct?

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