Understanding and correctly using the structure “be likely to” is crucial for IELTS test-takers aiming to demonstrate a high level of English proficiency. This versatile phrase appears frequently in both the reading and listening sections of the IELTS test, and its proper use can significantly enhance your writing and speaking scores.
IELTS Exam Preparation
The Meaning and Importance of “Be Likely To”
The phrase “be likely to” is used to express probability or likelihood. It indicates that something is expected to happen or is probable. In IELTS, this structure is particularly valuable as it allows candidates to make predictions, discuss possibilities, and express opinions about future events or outcomes.
Examples in IELTS Context:
- “Climate change is likely to have significant impacts on global agriculture.”
- “Candidates who practice regularly are likely to perform better in the IELTS test.”
- “The government is likely to implement new policies to address the housing crisis.”
- “International students are likely to face challenges when adapting to a new culture.”
- “Technological advancements are likely to revolutionize the job market in the coming decades.”
In each of these examples, “be likely to” is used to express a probable outcome or prediction, which is a common requirement in various IELTS tasks.
Grammar and Usage
The basic structure of “be likely to” is:
Subject + be (conjugated) + likely + to + verb (base form)
It’s important to note that the verb “be” should be conjugated according to the subject and tense of the sentence.
Present Tense Examples:
- “She is likely to succeed in her new job.”
- “They are likely to arrive late due to the traffic.”
Past Tense Examples:
- “The team was likely to win the championship before their star player got injured.”
- “The scientists were likely to make a breakthrough in their research last year.”
Future Tense Example:
- “By 2030, renewable energy sources will be likely to provide a significant portion of global power needs.”
Applying “Be Likely To” in IELTS Writing
In IELTS Writing Task 2, using “be likely to” can help you express ideas about future trends, consequences, or predictions effectively. Here’s an example paragraph:
“The widespread adoption of artificial intelligence is likely to have profound effects on the job market. While some traditional roles are likely to become obsolete, new opportunities are likely to emerge in fields related to AI development and management. Workers will be likely to need continuous training and upskilling to remain competitive, as the nature of work is likely to evolve rapidly in response to technological advancements.”
This paragraph demonstrates how “be likely to” can be used multiple times to discuss various aspects of a topic, showcasing a range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures.
“Be Likely To” in IELTS Speaking
In the IELTS Speaking test, using “be likely to” can help you provide more nuanced and sophisticated responses. For example:
Question: “How do you think technology will change education in the future?”
Sample answer: “I believe technology is likely to revolutionize education in several ways. First, virtual reality is likely to become a common tool in classrooms, allowing students to have immersive learning experiences. Additionally, artificial intelligence is likely to play a significant role in personalized learning, adapting to each student’s individual needs and pace. However, it’s also likely to present challenges, as educators will be likely to need extensive training to effectively integrate these new technologies into their teaching methods.”
Advanced Usage and Alternatives
To achieve higher band scores in IELTS, it’s important to use a variety of structures. Here are some alternatives to “be likely to” that can help demonstrate a wider range of vocabulary:
- “There’s a strong possibility that…”
- “It’s probable that…”
- “… is expected to…”
- “… stands a good chance of…”
- “The odds are that…”
For example:
- Band 6: “Climate change is likely to cause more extreme weather events.”
- Band 7: “There’s a strong possibility that climate change will lead to more frequent and severe weather events.”
- Band 8: “Climate change is expected to precipitate an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather phenomena.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Incorrect verb form:
- Incorrect: “She is likely going to university.”
- Correct: “She is likely to go to university.”
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Confusing “likely” with “like”:
- Incorrect: “I am like to visit Paris next year.”
- Correct: “I am likely to visit Paris next year.”
-
Using “likely” without “be”:
- Incorrect: “The project likely to be completed on time.”
- Correct: “The project is likely to be completed on time.”
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Overuse in a single sentence or paragraph:
- Poor: “The economy is likely to improve, which is likely to lead to more jobs, which are likely to increase consumer spending.”
- Better: “The economy is likely to improve, potentially leading to job creation and increased consumer spending.”
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Using it for definite plans:
- Incorrect: “I am likely to attend the meeting tomorrow at 2 PM.”
- Correct: “I will attend the meeting tomorrow at 2 PM.”
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “be likely to” can significantly enhance your performance in the IELTS test. It allows you to express probabilities and make predictions in a sophisticated manner, which is particularly useful in Writing Task 2 and the Speaking test. Remember to practice using this structure in various contexts and combine it with other advanced vocabulary and grammatical structures to achieve higher band scores. As you prepare for your IELTS test, you’re likely to encounter numerous opportunities to apply this versatile phrase, so make sure to incorporate it into your language repertoire effectively.
