Dictionary-enhanced plural guide
What is the Plural of “Likely”?
This page treats the word as a noun when it has a countable noun use.
Singular and Plural Form of Likely
Likely is the singular noun form. Likelies is the plural form.
Dictionary meaning: Having a good chance of happening or being true; expected to occur.
Why is the Plural of Likely “likelies”?
The Regular Plural Rule for Likely
When a word ends in consonant + y, change the y to -ies. Example: likely → likelies
How to Remember the Plural of Likely
Just add -s to “likely” to make “likelies”. Most English nouns follow this pattern.
A common slip-up: Sometimes stress placed on second syllable: like-LEE (incorrect); should be LIKE-ly..
Singular vs Plural Examples with Likely
See likely and likelies used in real sentences side by side.
- It is likely to rain tomorrow. B1
- They are likely to arrive before five o'clock. B1
- The most likely outcome is a significant increase in market demand. B2
Common Plural Mistakes with Likely
Wrong: The likely students will pass the exam.
Correct: The likely result is that students will pass.
Cannot use 'likely' directly before a noun; use 'probable' for that or use 'likely' after 'be'.
How to Pronounce Likely and Likelies
Two syllables: LIKE-lee. Stress on first syllable, not second.
Origin and Etymology of Likely
From Old Norse 'líkligr' meaning probable or suitable.
Cultural note: Common in predictions and discussions about probability. Often paired with 'quite' or 'very'.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Plural of Likely
What is the plural of “likely”?
The plural of “likely” is “likelies”.
Is “likelies” regular or irregular?
This page classifies it as regular based on the available plural data.