Cool MateLikely vs Maybe there is something to it
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Likely
Top 1,000 (very common)A2adjective
Maybe there is something to it
Top 5,000 (fairly common)
Most common: Likely
| Likely | Maybe there is something to it | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈlaɪkli/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈlaɪkli/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ˈmeɪ.bi ðɛər ɪz ˈsʌmθɪŋ tə ɪt//🇺🇸 //ˈmeɪ.bi ðɛr ɪz ˈsʌmθɪŋ tə ɪt// |
| Meaning | It probably will happen. | It might be true or have a reason. |
| Example | It is likely that it will rain tomorrow. | I thought the idea was ridiculous, but maybe there is something to it. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 5,000 (fairly common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | - |
| Part of speech | adjective | |
| Collocations | appear, be, look, extremely, fairly, very | wonder if there is something to it, think maybe there is something to it, suggest maybe there is something to it, believe maybe there is something to it |
| Antonyms | unlikely, improbable | - |
| Common mistakes | 'Likely' vs 'likelihood': Confused the adjective with the noun., 'Likely' placement: Wrongly placed before the verb instead of before 'to'., 'Unlikely' usage: Misusing 'unlikely' in positive contexts. | Using 'maybe' when 'may be' is intended., Confusing it with 'there is nothing to it,' which means it is simple., Overusing the phrase in situations that require more definitive language. |
| Usage notes | Use 'likely' to express probability in neutral contexts. Avoid in very formal writing; use 'probable' instead. For informal contexts, 'likely' is suitable. | Often used to express uncertainty or suggest the possibility that someone's idea or explanation might have merit. Suitable for informal and formal discussions, but be cautious in professional settings where certainty is required. |
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Frequently asked questions: Likely vs Maybe there is something to it
What's the difference between Likely and Maybe there is something to it?
Likely: It probably will happen. Maybe there is something to it: It might be true or have a reason.
Which is more common: Likely and Maybe there is something to it?
Likely is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Likely: It is likely that it will rain tomorrow. Maybe there is something to it: I thought the idea was ridiculous, but maybe there is something to it.
Can I use Likely and Maybe there is something to it interchangeably?
Not always. Likely and Maybe there is something to it are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.