What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bound
Example
With his talent and hard work, he is bound to succeed. [bound: adjective]
Example
The team is bound for victory with their exceptional skills. [bound: preposition]
likely
Example
It is likely to rain tomorrow, so don't forget your umbrella. [likely: adjective]
Example
She is likely to win the competition with her outstanding performance. [likely: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Likely is more commonly used than bound in everyday language. Likely is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts to express probability or expectation, while bound is less common and tends to be used in more formal or specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bound and likely?
While bound is generally considered more formal, likely is more commonly used in informal and everyday language. Likely can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it a more flexible choice for ESL learners.
