Certainty & Probability — Collocations
How likely, how recommended, how known — precision pairs for advanced speech. · Pattern: Adverb + Adjective · Level B2
highly unlikely
Very improbable; almost certainly not.
Example: Snow in Florida is highly unlikely.
⚠️ Not: “very unlikely (possible — highly is the sharper partner)” — say “highly unlikely”.
highly likely
Very probable.
Example: Rain is highly likely this weekend.
⚠️ Not: “strongly likely” — say “highly likely”.
highly recommended
Strongly suggested by experts or many people.
Example: This course is highly recommended by teachers.
⚠️ Not: “very recommended” — say “highly recommended”.
highly successful
Extremely successful.
Example: The campaign was highly successful.
⚠️ Not: “very highly success” — say “highly successful”.
highly effective
Working extremely well.
Example: The vaccine is highly effective.
⚠️ Not: “strongly effective” — say “highly effective”.
widely known
Known by many people.
Example: She is widely known for her charity work.
⚠️ Not: “broadly known” — say “widely known”.
widely used
Used by many people in many places.
Example: English is widely used in science.
⚠️ Not: “broadly used” — say “widely used”.
perfectly normal
Completely normal; nothing wrong at all.
Example: Feeling nervous is perfectly normal.
⚠️ Not: “absolutely normal (possible — perfectly is the classic match)” — say “perfectly normal”.
deeply divided
Split into strongly opposing groups.
Example: The country is deeply divided on this issue.
⚠️ Not: “strongly divided” — say “deeply divided”.
highly educated
Having a very high level of education.
Example: The region has a highly educated workforce.
⚠️ Not: “strongly educated” — say “highly educated”.
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