The future: degrees of certainty
Look at these examples to see how we can express different degrees of certainty about the future.
I'll definitely be at the meeting, don't worry.
She's likely to say yes if you ask nicely.
It probably won't rain later according to the weather forecast.
Try this exercise to test your grammar.
- Grammar test 1
Read the explanation to learn more.
Grammar explanation
We can show how certain we are about the future by using modal verbs and other expressions.
Modal verbs and adverbs
We can use modal verbs (such as will, might, may or could) and adverbs (such as probably and definitely) to show how sure we are.
Very sure
People will definitely work from home more in the future.
Robots definitely won't replace all human jobs.
Sure
Donna will really enjoy this film.
You won't regret it.
Almost sure
We'll probably finish the project by tomorrow.
He probably won't have enough time.
Not sure
I might go to the party, but I'm not sure yet.
He hasn't studied much, so he might not pass the exam.
When you are not sure, we can also use may, could and may not. However, we don't usually use could not to talk about the future.
Other expressions
We can also use other expressions such as be bound to and be likely to, or verbs such as think and doubt.
Very sure
He's bound to feel nervous before his driving test.
She's certain to get that job!
He's certain that he'll get here on time.
There's no chance that we'll ever win the lottery.
There's no way that my boss will give me the day off.
Sure
I'm sure that you'll do well in the interview.
Are you sure that you won't be available?
Almost sure
The government's likely to call an election soon.
Ali's unlikely to be invited to the party.
There's a good chance that it'll snow this week.
There's not much chance that I'll finish this essay tonight.
She thinks he'll be able to help.
I don't think we'll have petrol-based cars in the future.
I doubt they'll have any trouble finding the address.
What do you expect mobile phones will be like in ten years' time?
Not sure
There's a chance that she'll be back at work tomorrow.
There's a chance that he might come and visit us next week.
I think we might see more of these problems in the next few years.
I'm not sure that I'll be able to finish this pizza!
Do this exercise to test your grammar again.
- Grammar test 2
Hiello Sir/ Madam
Related to the topic of degrees of certainity,
Can you help me with this question?
The teacher is sure that some students ______________ pass the examination.
a. won't definitely b. won't probably c. will definitely not d. will probably not
Hello Akef Tahawy,
Grammatically, both (c) and (d) are possible. Since the sentence uses 'sure' I think (c) is most likely.
Peter
The LearnEnglish Team
What's this sentence pattern? "Will definitely be making this"
Hi vihara,
This structure is the future continuous (will + be + -ing verb). The subject (e.g. "I") is dropped here, as presumably this is informal speech.
It shows a high degree of certainty.
Jonathan
LearnEnglish team
Hi, can you please recommend somewhere to learn this in a different way? I thought I understood this but my second grammar test was worse than the first one after I read the explanation
Hi Anamyszka,
Oh dear! Actually, this is not uncommon when we're learning things. It's often expressed as 'one step back, two steps forward' meaning that when we take on new knowledge our performance often gets temporarily worse while we try to assimilate the knowledge and work out how it fits with what we already know. My advice would be to give it a little time and come back to it. Learning a language is a complex process, even if we wish it were more like taking a tablet for a headache!
In terms of different approaches, this page takes a concepts (degrees of certainty) and looks at many different ways of expressing it. In other words, you look at many different structures and phrases linked together by a similar meaning or use. An alternative would be to look at one structure (say, for example, modal verbs) and the various ways in which these can be used. Perhaps this approach is better suited to your learning style. You can use the grammar reference section to look at pages more focused on particular structures if you wish.
Finally, here's another summary of how to use the future which may be helpful to you:
https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/future
Peter
The LearnEnglish Team
Good afternoon to you all
I have a question regarding the use of will for predictions as it is always taught together with be going to to show one of the differences between these two when talking about the future (will for predictions without evidence and be going to for predictions with evidence). 'Will' used for predictions to express a strong degree of certainty is related with the previous use I mentioned? I mean, I can say 'it will rain tomorrow' implying both a prediction without evidence and a strong degree of certainty? This latter use would be even stronger if I add an adverb like 'definitely' for example, but the adverb is optional in that case.
I don't know if I was able to explain myself but thanks in advance!
Hello Victoria7,
Like all modal verbs, will has a number of uses (meanings), but the core meaning when referring to the future is belief. You can think of 'It will rain tomorrow' as meaning 'I believe it will rain tomorrow'. Generally, will describes a strong belief, verging on certainty. When our belief is weaker we use other modals such as might, may or could, or we add an adverb or adverbial phrase like maybe, perhaps or similar.
I hope that helps to clarify it for you.
Peter
The LearnEnglish Team
:D
Hello.
Are these sentences both correct?
1. I'm not exactly sure, but I think she will be home by 8 o'clock.
2. I'm not exactly sure, but I think she won't be home by 8 o'clock.
Are both verb forms 'will be' and 'won't be' grammatically correct?
Thank you.