Which words can follow “likely”, “easy” or “sure”?
Many adjectives are followed by a to-infinitive or a that-clause. In our story about Saudia’s new seat, you can find both patterns: Passengers are likely to notice the extra space first. and It is easy to see why airlines want these features on long flights. The adjective comes first, and then the second part completes the idea.
Use these two patterns:
- be + adjective + to + verb: The calf rest is easy to use. · Airlines are ready to sell the new cabin. · It is difficult to compare prices.
- be + adjective + (that) + clause: The airline is sure (that) passengers will like the seat. · We are glad (that) the cabin is quiet.
Adjectives such as likely, easy, difficult, ready and too early usually take to + verb. Adjectives of feeling or certainty, such as sure, glad, pleased and certain, often take a that-clause. Watch afraid: afraid to fly means you do not do it because of fear, but afraid of flying names the fear itself.
Watch out for these mistakes
- ✗ Passengers are likely that they notice the space. → ✓ Passengers are likely to notice the space. (Likely with a person as subject takes to + verb, not a that-clause.)
- ✗ The seat is easy to be used. → ✓ The seat is easy to use. (After easy, use the active verb even though the seat receives the action.)
- ✗ The airline is sure to that passengers will enjoy it. → ✓ The airline is sure (that) passengers will enjoy it. (Do not put to before a that-clause.)
Try these
Write one sentence for each prompt. Use the adjective in brackets and the pattern shown. Then open the answers and compare.
- Passengers will probably notice the wider seat. (likely + to-infinitive)
- You can use the calf rest very easily. (easy + to-infinitive)
- Saudia believes passengers will want the new cabin. (sure + that-clause)
- We cannot say yet how popular the cabin will be. (too early + to-infinitive)
- Travellers like the extra space, and airlines are happy about it. (pleased + that-clause)
- Passengers are likely to notice the wider seat. (Likely takes to + verb.)
- The calf rest is easy to use. (Use the active verb after easy, not to be used.)
- Saudia is sure that passengers will want the new cabin. (Sure expresses certainty, so a that-clause fits.)
- It is too early to say how popular the cabin will be. (Too early + to + verb.)
- Airlines are pleased that travellers like the extra space. (A feeling about a fact takes a that-clause.)
Now check your understanding of the meaning and the form:
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Which sentence is correct?
Easy + to + active verb describes how simple something is to do.
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Saudia has not announced the retrofit dates. Complete the sentence: “It is ____ say when older aircraft will get the new cabin.”
We have no information yet, so it is too early to say. Choose by meaning: this is not certainty, but a lack of facts.
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Which sentence means Saudia is certain about something?
Sure + that-clause shows a strong belief about a fact.
Now make it real
Write two true sentences about your work or flying life. Use one pattern with to and one with that. Try this frame: My job is easy/difficult to … · I am sure/glad that …
Check your sentences before you look at the samples:
- Is the meaning true for you?
- Does the adjective match the pattern (to + verb, or that + clause)?
- Did you avoid to be used after easy and to that before a clause?
- Do the capital letters, full stops and spelling look right?
Here are two samples to compare with your own:
- The radio is easy to use, even in bad weather.
- I am glad that our shifts start later in winter.
Now read your sentences again. Can you make one more exact by changing the adjective?
CEFR Level B1 / ICAO Level 4
Want more reading at your level? Browse our CEFR B1 archive and look for adjectives followed by to or that.
