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
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.
Hi Marua,
Yes! Both are correct in this sentence.
Jonathan
The LearnEnglish Team
Hello LearnEnglish Team,
I am an English teacher and I would like to ask you something just to confirm I am right. I studied English many years and I have been teaching English for 13 years. This topic about degrees of certainty is a topic I have taught all these years but I have a tiny question about it. All grammar and text books I have always seen say what you say here.
When referring to future probability, they include the following expressions: "Subject + to be likely/unlikely + infinitive" or "it is likely/unlikely + that + clause" and "will probably+verb". So these are the expressions I have always taught and the answer key of ALL English text books includes these expressions but NO grammar explanation or answer key includes "it is probable + that + will". Therefore, I have always assumed as a student and, later, as a teacher of English that, in English, the natural way of saying what is probable is by using this expression with the word LIKELY (and not the word "probable"). I just would like to confirm that in English we use this expression with "likely", but not with the word "probable". For example "It is likely that the government will raise interest rates this year" (NOT "it is probable...") or "It is highly likely that the meeting is cancelled" (NOT "probable"). All English grammar books only give this expression with "likely", not with the word "probable". Just would like to confirm that what I teach is correct: that this expression is only used with the word "likely/unlikely". Many thanks in advance.
Hello GrammarLover,
Both likely and probable are possible. In fact, a wide range of adjectives and adjectival phrases can be used in this structure: likely, probable, distinctly possible, to be expected, odds-on, credible, plausible, within the bounds of possibility, imaginable; expected, anticipated, natural, predicted, foreseeable, ten to one; sure, destined, fated; in the wind, in the air; on the cards, a pound to a penny etc.
Peter
The LearnEnglish Team
Hello sir,
I expect we might have to postpone the meeting.
I expect we will have to postpone the meeting.
Could you please explain which one is correct and why is that so ?
Hello sara123_123,
The second one is the better form to use. This is because the phrase 'I expect' already introduces the idea of probability, so we don't generally also use a modal of probability such as 'might' -- instead we normally use 'will'.
If you don't use 'I expect', then 'might' is fine: 'We might have to postpone' or 'I think we might have to postpone'.
All the best,
Kirk
The LearnEnglish Team
Hello Bruna Vignetti,
You are correct that the adverb usually comes before the main verb:
However, when the auxiliary is negative the adverb is often placed before it:
It is a complex issues, however. You can read more about it here:
https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/adverbs-and-adverb-phrases-position
Peter
The LearnEnglish Team
Hello strevochka
Yes, that sentence would be a good way to ask someone to confirm that they will be busy the next day, though I would recommend using 'won't you' instead of 'shan't you' as a question tag. 'shan't you' is very, very formal and would sound strange in most situations.
All the best
Kirk
The LearnEnglish Team
Hello 83roman,
Yes, that sentence is quite correct.
Peter
The LearnEnglish Team
Hello Staciii
This means the same thing as 'little chance'. The Longman Dictionary entry for 'chance' lists 'no chance', 'little chance' and 'not much chance' together (see the Adjectives section of the list of collocations).
All the best
Kirk
The LearnEnglish Team