Predictions

Predictions

Sylvia GuerreroLayhon Chaparro

Making predictions

When you make predictions, there are different ways of showing how sure you are.

will + adverb for predictions

Subject + will + adverb + (not) + verb

It will definitely rain tomorrow.I will probably go.It will definitely not rain.

Adverbs of certainly

100%

75%

Express how certain or sure we feel about an even or action. "Certainly, definitely, probably, undoubtedly, clearly, obviously, etc."

0%

If we are making a negative sentence, we do not use contractions before the adverb. Put “not” after the adverb.

Subject + adverb + won't + verb

0%

It definitely won’t rain. She probably won’t be at the party.

100%

definitely

30%

probably

Many English speakers use the contraction “won’t” after the adverb.

maybe

probably not

0%

definitely not

Modals

These verbs are used to say how certain you are that something will happen

modal verb + main verb

(Infinitive without -to)

0%

100%

You will past the exam

Will

We're confident that something will happen.

NE G A T I V E F O R M

The baby is crying. He must be hungry

Sure that something is happening in the present. Usually have a reason to tell why something is happening.

Must

They left an hour ago. They should be here by now

To say that something is likely. Not a hundred percent certain, but believe it to be true.

Should

People can be really rude

Can

For general sentences about something that is possible.

Could

It could rain this afternoon

When we're uncertain or unsure about the present and the future. Something is possible but not certain or guaranteed.

May

I may need to borrow your car

They might arrive before lunch

Might

50%

Is (un)likely to

Confident something will happen but not 100%. Something is possible, but we cannot be completely sure.

(This pattern is less common)

Be (un)likely + to-infinitive

it is (un)likely + that + will

The American is likely to win the race tomorrow

It is likely that he will win the race. It is likely that there will be a general election next year.

England are unlikely to win the Word Cup any time soon

The economy is likely to recover slowly after the long recession.

Probable = Likely

Hypotetical possibilities with if

Conditional type

Form

Usage

Examples

If clause /

Main clause

If + simple present + simple present

If you stick your fingers in the fire, they get burned.

Zero conditional

“Real condition”

if + simple present + simple future

1 conditional

“unreal, but likely”

If you don't hurry, you will miss the train.

If + simple past + present conditional or present continuous conditional

2 Conditional

“Unreal and unlikely”

If it rained , you would get wet.

If + past perfect + perfect conditional or perfect continuous conditional

If you had studied harder, you would have passed the exam.

"Unreal condition”

3 conditional

"mix time references. To talk about a condition in the past and the consequences in the present. ”

If + past perfect or simple past + present conditional or perfect conditional

If I had accepted that promotion, I would have been working in Milan.

Mixing time references

The if-clause uses the present continuous or present simple tense and the main clause uses a modal verb. This is used to make suggestions, give advice and to indicate consequences (Real conditions).

Was/were are used in a unreal conditional sentences. There is an exception. If the verb in the if-clause is “to be,” use “were,” even if the subject of the clause is a third person singular subject (i.e., he, she, it).

If you’re thinking of buying a lawnmower, you could try mine first. You should turn down his radio if you don’t want the neighbours to complain.

If I was were a rich man, I would make more charitable donations.

Remember: When you’re talking about a possibility that did happen or might be true, use “was” and “were” as you normally would.