Making predictions
Make predictions with different degrees of certainty: will definitely, probably, might, may, could, unlikely to.
In this lesson you will
- Express certainty and possibility about the future
- Use might/may/could for possibility
- Use likely/unlikely and bound to
Learn
Certain: will definitely, is bound to, is sure to: Prices will definitely rise. She’s bound to pass.
Probable: will probably, is likely to: It’ll probably rain. They’re likely to win. Note the position: will probably but probably won’t.
Possible: might, may, could + base verb: It might snow. I may be late.
Unlikely: probably won’t, is unlikely to, I doubt (that)…: He’s unlikely to accept. I doubt they’ll come.
| Certainty | Examples |
|---|---|
| 100% | will definitely, bound to |
| ~75% | will probably, likely to |
| ~50% | might, may, could |
| ~25% | probably won’t, unlikely to |
| 0% | definitely won’t |
Examples
- Robots will probably do many of today’s jobs.
- I might go to the party — I’m not sure yet.
- It’s bound to be busy on a Saturday.
- House prices are unlikely to fall.
Vocabulary
bound to
certain to
likely
probable
unlikely
not probable
I doubt
I don’t think it’s likely
forecast
a prediction, e.g. of weather
Practice
I’m not sure, but I ___ go to the gym later.
Speaking
Make predictions about your city, technology and your own life in 2040, using at least five different certainty expressions.
Writing
Write a paragraph (80–100 words): “How will we travel in 2050?” using a range of prediction language.
Lesson quiz
It’s ___ to snow tonight — the forecast says 80%.
Review
Key points
- definitely/bound to → probably/likely → might/may/could → unlikely/doubt.
- will probably / probably won’t.
- might/may/could + base verb.
What you learned
- ✓ I can express degrees of certainty.
- ✓ I can make predictions naturally.
- ✓ I use probably in the right position.
Grammar reference: Future forms: will, going to, present continuous, Modals of deduction: must, might, can’t