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mayte
Do these sentences mean the same?
They will probably stay. / They are more likely to stay.
They won't probably stay. / They are less likely to stay.
Is there any different between "probably" and "more likely"?
Which one is more usual?
Which one is more formal?
Thank you!
Apr 17, 2013 12:02 PM
Answers · 6
2
The sentences are not the same and 'they are less/more likely to stay' are not complete expressions. They will 'probably' stay means that it is quite likely they will stay (e.g. approximately 60-70% chance. 'More likely' or 'less likely' should be used to compare one thing with another which is why I say that it is incomplete. I would use it as follows: 'They are more likely to stay at our house if we have a bed free for them' (i.e. comparing the probability of them staying with and without a bed being free)
April 17, 2013
I would say they are pretty much the same in terms of everyday English. But we don't generally say "they won't probably stay " we say, "they probably won't stay".
April 17, 2013
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mayte
Language Skills
English, French, Spanish
Learning Language
English, French
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