Future probability

unit 4 grammar

future

probability

Modal verbs

may (well), could (well),might (well), should

POSSIBILITY / EXPECTATION

may well, might well, could wellare used to say something is more than possible

should is used to express an expectation

may, might, couldare used to say something is possible

ADVERBS

Perhaps/Maybe

Use before the main verb or at the beginning of the sentence

Perhaps this alligator will eat me.

Probably

This alligator is probably hungry.

Almost certainly

He will almost certainly regret this decision.

LIKELY / LIKELIHOOD

adjective phrase / noun phrase

The likelihood is (that) The likelihood is that we will all get vaccinations and COVID-19 will die out.

It's likely that... It's unlikely that... _____ is likely to _____ ____ is unlikely to ____

Sentence structure

Noun phrase

Adjective phrase

The possibility is that

It's possible that

vs

the probability is that

it's probable that

the chances are that

it's likely that

there's a good chance that

"The chances are that the Genie and Aladdin lived happily ever after"

IMAGE

We may be here all day.

IMAGE

You are likely to have a great time!

WHAT DO YOU IMAGINE WILL HAPPEN?

Traffic congestion and pollution

The growing shortage of water

DON'T GIVE UP

Curing illness and disease

Use expressions of probability.