More Likely Than Not

Pronunciation: /mɔːr ˈlaɪkli ðən nɑt/

Definitions of more likely than not

adjective An adjective describes or modifies a noun. In this case, 'more' and 'likely' are both adjectives modifying the implied noun in the phrase.

Example Sentences

A1 It is more likely than not that it will rain tomorrow.

A2 She is more likely than not to pass the exam with her hard work.

B1 Based on the evidence presented, it is more likely than not that the suspect committed the crime.

B2 The data suggests that the new product will be more likely than not successful in the market.

C1 After analyzing all the factors, it is more likely than not that the company will merge with its competitor.

C2 The expert's opinion is that the vaccine is more likely than not to be effective in preventing the spread of the virus.

adverb An adverb modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In this case, 'not' functions as an adverb modifying the likelihood expressed in the phrase.

Example Sentences

A1 I am more likely than not going to the park tomorrow.

A2 She is more likely than not going to pass the exam with all her studying.

B1 It is more likely than not that we will have rain this weekend.

B2 Based on the evidence provided, it is more likely than not that he committed the crime.

C1 The data suggests that the new policy will be more likely than not successful in increasing sales.

C2 After analyzing the trends, it is more likely than not that the company will expand into international markets.

conjunction A conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, or clauses. 'Than' is a conjunction in the phrase 'more likely than not', connecting the comparative elements of the phrase.

Example Sentences

A1 I am more likely than not going to the store later.

A2 She is more likely than not going to pass the exam.

B1 The project is more likely than not going to be completed on time.

B2 He is more likely than not going to win the competition.

C1 The new policy is more likely than not going to improve efficiency.

C2 The evidence suggests that she is more likely than not guilty of the crime.

Examples of more likely than not in a Sentence

formal Based on the evidence presented, it is more likely than not that the defendant will be found guilty.

informal I'd say it's more likely than not that we'll have to reschedule the meeting.

slang Chances are, it's more likely than not that we'll end up at the usual spot for drinks tonight.

figurative In the game of life, taking risks is more likely than not the key to success.

Grammatical Forms of more likely than not

• past tense: was more likely than not
• plural: are more likely than not
• comparative: more likely than not
• superlative: most likely than not
• present tense: is more likely than not
• future tense: will be more likely than not
• perfect tense: has been more likely than not
• continuous tense: is being more likely than not
• singular: more likely than not
• positive degree: very likely than not
• infinitive: to be more likely than not
• gerund: being more likely than not
• participle: been more likely than not

Origin and Evolution of more likely than not

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: English

Story behind the word: The phrase 'more likely than not' originated from legal language in English common law.

Evolution of the word: Originally used in legal contexts to indicate a probability greater than 50%, the phrase has since evolved to be used in everyday language to express a high likelihood or probability of something occurring.