SlideShare uma empresa Scribd logo
1 de 1
Baixar para ler offline
Expressing

PROBABILITY
José Antonio Alcalde

When talking about the future we can express different things with different degrees of
probability. Look at the following sequence from something impossible to something certain:

IMPOSSIBILITY > IMPROBABILITY > PROBABILITY > POSSIBILITY > CERTAINTY
We can express these degress with the help of modal verbs, adverbs and some typical
expressions.
IMPOSSIBILITY: We are sure that something is not going to happen.
•
•
•
•

Subject + WON'T + verb (base form)
Subject + WON'T BE ABLE TO + verb (base form) [CAN has no future form]
It is impossible (that)...
There is no chance...

IMPROBABILITY: We think something is improbable to happen.
•
•
•
•
•
•

It is not probable (that) … = It is improbable (that) …
It is unlikely (that)...
It is very doubtful (that)...
You can't tell for sure...
I doubt (that)... = It is doubtful (that)...
I don't think...

PROBABILITY: Now there is a probability that something happens.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Subject + MAY + verb (base form)
Subject + MIGHT + verb (base form) [weaker possibility than MAY]
Subject + COULD + verb (base form)
I believe...
It looks as if...
There is a little chance...
Presumably

POSSIBILITY: Here we can express that something is possible if some circunstances occur.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Conditional senteces type 1
Subject + CAN + verb (base form)
Maybe.... = Perhaps...
It is possible (that)...
Possibly... = Apparently...
I suppose... = I guess... (informal and typical in conversations)
There is a chance... = There is good chance...
There is possibility (that)...
It is more than likely (that)...

CERTAINTY: Now we are sure that something is going to happen.
• Surely... = It is for sure (that)...
• I am absolutely sure (that)... = I am certain (that)... = I am positive...
• Definitely... = Certainly... = Clearly... = Of course... = No doubt.... = Undeniably.... = Absolutely...

Mais conteúdo relacionado

Mais procurados (20)

Past Perfect
Past Perfect Past Perfect
Past Perfect
 
chuleta b2 first certificate examen ingles murcia
chuleta b2 first certificate examen ingles murciachuleta b2 first certificate examen ingles murcia
chuleta b2 first certificate examen ingles murcia
 
Cleft sentences
Cleft sentencesCleft sentences
Cleft sentences
 
Future in the past
Future in the pastFuture in the past
Future in the past
 
Le blues du businessman
Le blues du businessmanLe blues du businessman
Le blues du businessman
 
Modals - Possibility
Modals - PossibilityModals - Possibility
Modals - Possibility
 
Although though eventhough
Although  though eventhoughAlthough  though eventhough
Although though eventhough
 
Simple present
Simple presentSimple present
Simple present
 
Asking for and giving opinion
Asking for and giving opinionAsking for and giving opinion
Asking for and giving opinion
 
The verb get
The verb getThe verb get
The verb get
 
PREFERENCE (I PREFER/ I WOULD RATHER)
PREFERENCE (I PREFER/ I WOULD RATHER)PREFERENCE (I PREFER/ I WOULD RATHER)
PREFERENCE (I PREFER/ I WOULD RATHER)
 
So, Neither, Too, Either
So, Neither, Too, EitherSo, Neither, Too, Either
So, Neither, Too, Either
 
Verb complementation I
Verb complementation IVerb complementation I
Verb complementation I
 
May Might Could
May Might CouldMay Might Could
May Might Could
 
Have something done
Have something doneHave something done
Have something done
 
Conditional type 1
Conditional type 1Conditional type 1
Conditional type 1
 
Restaurant Vocabulary
Restaurant VocabularyRestaurant Vocabulary
Restaurant Vocabulary
 
Mixed conditionals presentation
Mixed conditionals presentationMixed conditionals presentation
Mixed conditionals presentation
 
Conditional sentences
Conditional sentencesConditional sentences
Conditional sentences
 
Both - neither - all - none - either
Both - neither - all - none - eitherBoth - neither - all - none - either
Both - neither - all - none - either
 

Destaque

Adverbs of possibility
Adverbs of possibilityAdverbs of possibility
Adverbs of possibilitylovinglondon
 
Modals of Possibility and Certainty
Modals of Possibility and CertaintyModals of Possibility and Certainty
Modals of Possibility and CertaintyDavid Mainwood
 
Modal verbs of possibility
Modal verbs of possibilityModal verbs of possibility
Modal verbs of possibilityDavid Nicholson
 
The expression of possibility & certainty
The expression of possibility & certaintyThe expression of possibility & certainty
The expression of possibility & certaintyDept. Inglés
 
10 Important Questions To Ask Your Academic Advisor
10 Important Questions To Ask Your Academic Advisor10 Important Questions To Ask Your Academic Advisor
10 Important Questions To Ask Your Academic Advisorbbrumfield
 
Academic Advising PowerPoint Presentation
Academic Advising PowerPoint PresentationAcademic Advising PowerPoint Presentation
Academic Advising PowerPoint Presentationckehm
 
Adverbials of Frequency and Probability
Adverbials of Frequency and ProbabilityAdverbials of Frequency and Probability
Adverbials of Frequency and ProbabilitytheLecturette
 
Academic Advising Presentation
Academic Advising PresentationAcademic Advising Presentation
Academic Advising PresentationCprice5050
 
Modal verbs possibility and certainty
Modal verbs   possibility and certaintyModal verbs   possibility and certainty
Modal verbs possibility and certaintyAnalía Roitman
 
قواعد اللغة الانجليزية-انجليزي-قواعد-صفوت محمد رضا شعيب-english grammer-grammer
قواعد اللغة الانجليزية-انجليزي-قواعد-صفوت محمد رضا شعيب-english grammer-grammerقواعد اللغة الانجليزية-انجليزي-قواعد-صفوت محمد رضا شعيب-english grammer-grammer
قواعد اللغة الانجليزية-انجليزي-قواعد-صفوت محمد رضا شعيب-english grammer-grammerali omar
 
BAD NEWS MESSAGES CH:09
BAD NEWS MESSAGES CH:09BAD NEWS MESSAGES CH:09
BAD NEWS MESSAGES CH:09Rafia Ahmed
 
Probability models & basic rules
Probability models & basic rulesProbability models & basic rules
Probability models & basic rulesamylute
 
Responding to good and bad news
Responding to good and bad newsResponding to good and bad news
Responding to good and bad newsMohamed Enassibi
 
Modals to express future possibility and conclusions
Modals to express future possibility and conclusionsModals to express future possibility and conclusions
Modals to express future possibility and conclusionsVideoconferencias UTPL
 

Destaque (20)

Adverbs of possibility
Adverbs of possibilityAdverbs of possibility
Adverbs of possibility
 
Adverbs of possibility
Adverbs of possibilityAdverbs of possibility
Adverbs of possibility
 
Modals of Possibility and Certainty
Modals of Possibility and CertaintyModals of Possibility and Certainty
Modals of Possibility and Certainty
 
Modal verbs of possibility
Modal verbs of possibilityModal verbs of possibility
Modal verbs of possibility
 
The expression of possibility & certainty
The expression of possibility & certaintyThe expression of possibility & certainty
The expression of possibility & certainty
 
10 Important Questions To Ask Your Academic Advisor
10 Important Questions To Ask Your Academic Advisor10 Important Questions To Ask Your Academic Advisor
10 Important Questions To Ask Your Academic Advisor
 
Academic Advising PowerPoint Presentation
Academic Advising PowerPoint PresentationAcademic Advising PowerPoint Presentation
Academic Advising PowerPoint Presentation
 
Adverbials of Frequency and Probability
Adverbials of Frequency and ProbabilityAdverbials of Frequency and Probability
Adverbials of Frequency and Probability
 
Academic Advising Presentation
Academic Advising PresentationAcademic Advising Presentation
Academic Advising Presentation
 
Modal verbs possibility and certainty
Modal verbs   possibility and certaintyModal verbs   possibility and certainty
Modal verbs possibility and certainty
 
Reported speech
Reported speechReported speech
Reported speech
 
قواعد اللغة الانجليزية-انجليزي-قواعد-صفوت محمد رضا شعيب-english grammer-grammer
قواعد اللغة الانجليزية-انجليزي-قواعد-صفوت محمد رضا شعيب-english grammer-grammerقواعد اللغة الانجليزية-انجليزي-قواعد-صفوت محمد رضا شعيب-english grammer-grammer
قواعد اللغة الانجليزية-انجليزي-قواعد-صفوت محمد رضا شعيب-english grammer-grammer
 
BAD NEWS MESSAGES CH:09
BAD NEWS MESSAGES CH:09BAD NEWS MESSAGES CH:09
BAD NEWS MESSAGES CH:09
 
Probability models & basic rules
Probability models & basic rulesProbability models & basic rules
Probability models & basic rules
 
Responding to good and bad news
Responding to good and bad newsResponding to good and bad news
Responding to good and bad news
 
Relative clauses
Relative clausesRelative clauses
Relative clauses
 
Conditionals
ConditionalsConditionals
Conditionals
 
Possibility & ability
Possibility & abilityPossibility & ability
Possibility & ability
 
Modals to express future possibility and conclusions
Modals to express future possibility and conclusionsModals to express future possibility and conclusions
Modals to express future possibility and conclusions
 
Basic grammer
Basic grammerBasic grammer
Basic grammer
 

Mais de José Antonio Alcalde López (20)

English Connectors
English ConnectorsEnglish Connectors
English Connectors
 
Technology and education - cartoons
Technology and education - cartoonsTechnology and education - cartoons
Technology and education - cartoons
 
What a Map!
What a Map!What a Map!
What a Map!
 
English Verb Tenses
English Verb Tenses English Verb Tenses
English Verb Tenses
 
Non finite forms
Non finite forms Non finite forms
Non finite forms
 
Food and eating
Food and eatingFood and eating
Food and eating
 
Photo speculation
Photo speculationPhoto speculation
Photo speculation
 
Photo senses activity
Photo senses activityPhoto senses activity
Photo senses activity
 
Reported speech
Reported speechReported speech
Reported speech
 
Passive voice
Passive voicePassive voice
Passive voice
 
Describing two pictures
Describing two picturesDescribing two pictures
Describing two pictures
 
University presentation
University presentationUniversity presentation
University presentation
 
World breaking up
World breaking upWorld breaking up
World breaking up
 
Concurso Xmas 2018
Concurso Xmas 2018Concurso Xmas 2018
Concurso Xmas 2018
 
Email from Germany
Email from GermanyEmail from Germany
Email from Germany
 
English dictionaries
English dictionariesEnglish dictionaries
English dictionaries
 
On my experience with Canadian education (1)
On my experience with Canadian education (1)On my experience with Canadian education (1)
On my experience with Canadian education (1)
 
Polish penpals powerpoint
Polish penpals powerpointPolish penpals powerpoint
Polish penpals powerpoint
 
Encuesta satisfacción alemanes 18
Encuesta satisfacción alemanes 18Encuesta satisfacción alemanes 18
Encuesta satisfacción alemanes 18
 
Easter in Croatia
Easter in CroatiaEaster in Croatia
Easter in Croatia
 

Último

ENGLISH6-Q4-W3.pptxqurter our high choom
ENGLISH6-Q4-W3.pptxqurter our high choomENGLISH6-Q4-W3.pptxqurter our high choom
ENGLISH6-Q4-W3.pptxqurter our high choomnelietumpap1
 
Keynote by Prof. Wurzer at Nordex about IP-design
Keynote by Prof. Wurzer at Nordex about IP-designKeynote by Prof. Wurzer at Nordex about IP-design
Keynote by Prof. Wurzer at Nordex about IP-designMIPLM
 
AMERICAN LANGUAGE HUB_Level2_Student'sBook_Answerkey.pdf
AMERICAN LANGUAGE HUB_Level2_Student'sBook_Answerkey.pdfAMERICAN LANGUAGE HUB_Level2_Student'sBook_Answerkey.pdf
AMERICAN LANGUAGE HUB_Level2_Student'sBook_Answerkey.pdfphamnguyenenglishnb
 
THEORIES OF ORGANIZATION-PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
THEORIES OF ORGANIZATION-PUBLIC ADMINISTRATIONTHEORIES OF ORGANIZATION-PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
THEORIES OF ORGANIZATION-PUBLIC ADMINISTRATIONHumphrey A Beña
 
GRADE 4 - SUMMATIVE TEST QUARTER 4 ALL SUBJECTS
GRADE 4 - SUMMATIVE TEST QUARTER 4 ALL SUBJECTSGRADE 4 - SUMMATIVE TEST QUARTER 4 ALL SUBJECTS
GRADE 4 - SUMMATIVE TEST QUARTER 4 ALL SUBJECTSJoshuaGantuangco2
 
MULTIDISCIPLINRY NATURE OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES.pptx
MULTIDISCIPLINRY NATURE OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES.pptxMULTIDISCIPLINRY NATURE OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES.pptx
MULTIDISCIPLINRY NATURE OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES.pptxAnupkumar Sharma
 
ECONOMIC CONTEXT - LONG FORM TV DRAMA - PPT
ECONOMIC CONTEXT - LONG FORM TV DRAMA - PPTECONOMIC CONTEXT - LONG FORM TV DRAMA - PPT
ECONOMIC CONTEXT - LONG FORM TV DRAMA - PPTiammrhaywood
 
ISYU TUNGKOL SA SEKSWLADIDA (ISSUE ABOUT SEXUALITY
ISYU TUNGKOL SA SEKSWLADIDA (ISSUE ABOUT SEXUALITYISYU TUNGKOL SA SEKSWLADIDA (ISSUE ABOUT SEXUALITY
ISYU TUNGKOL SA SEKSWLADIDA (ISSUE ABOUT SEXUALITYKayeClaireEstoconing
 
HỌC TỐT TIẾNG ANH 11 THEO CHƯƠNG TRÌNH GLOBAL SUCCESS ĐÁP ÁN CHI TIẾT - CẢ NĂ...
HỌC TỐT TIẾNG ANH 11 THEO CHƯƠNG TRÌNH GLOBAL SUCCESS ĐÁP ÁN CHI TIẾT - CẢ NĂ...HỌC TỐT TIẾNG ANH 11 THEO CHƯƠNG TRÌNH GLOBAL SUCCESS ĐÁP ÁN CHI TIẾT - CẢ NĂ...
HỌC TỐT TIẾNG ANH 11 THEO CHƯƠNG TRÌNH GLOBAL SUCCESS ĐÁP ÁN CHI TIẾT - CẢ NĂ...Nguyen Thanh Tu Collection
 
Gas measurement O2,Co2,& ph) 04/2024.pptx
Gas measurement O2,Co2,& ph) 04/2024.pptxGas measurement O2,Co2,& ph) 04/2024.pptx
Gas measurement O2,Co2,& ph) 04/2024.pptxDr.Ibrahim Hassaan
 
4.18.24 Movement Legacies, Reflection, and Review.pptx
4.18.24 Movement Legacies, Reflection, and Review.pptx4.18.24 Movement Legacies, Reflection, and Review.pptx
4.18.24 Movement Legacies, Reflection, and Review.pptxmary850239
 
ANG SEKTOR NG agrikultura.pptx QUARTER 4
ANG SEKTOR NG agrikultura.pptx QUARTER 4ANG SEKTOR NG agrikultura.pptx QUARTER 4
ANG SEKTOR NG agrikultura.pptx QUARTER 4MiaBumagat1
 
Like-prefer-love -hate+verb+ing & silent letters & citizenship text.pdf
Like-prefer-love -hate+verb+ing & silent letters & citizenship text.pdfLike-prefer-love -hate+verb+ing & silent letters & citizenship text.pdf
Like-prefer-love -hate+verb+ing & silent letters & citizenship text.pdfMr Bounab Samir
 
What is Model Inheritance in Odoo 17 ERP
What is Model Inheritance in Odoo 17 ERPWhat is Model Inheritance in Odoo 17 ERP
What is Model Inheritance in Odoo 17 ERPCeline George
 
Earth Day Presentation wow hello nice great
Earth Day Presentation wow hello nice greatEarth Day Presentation wow hello nice great
Earth Day Presentation wow hello nice greatYousafMalik24
 
Influencing policy (training slides from Fast Track Impact)
Influencing policy (training slides from Fast Track Impact)Influencing policy (training slides from Fast Track Impact)
Influencing policy (training slides from Fast Track Impact)Mark Reed
 
Visit to a blind student's school🧑‍🦯🧑‍🦯(community medicine)
Visit to a blind student's school🧑‍🦯🧑‍🦯(community medicine)Visit to a blind student's school🧑‍🦯🧑‍🦯(community medicine)
Visit to a blind student's school🧑‍🦯🧑‍🦯(community medicine)lakshayb543
 

Último (20)

ENGLISH6-Q4-W3.pptxqurter our high choom
ENGLISH6-Q4-W3.pptxqurter our high choomENGLISH6-Q4-W3.pptxqurter our high choom
ENGLISH6-Q4-W3.pptxqurter our high choom
 
Keynote by Prof. Wurzer at Nordex about IP-design
Keynote by Prof. Wurzer at Nordex about IP-designKeynote by Prof. Wurzer at Nordex about IP-design
Keynote by Prof. Wurzer at Nordex about IP-design
 
AMERICAN LANGUAGE HUB_Level2_Student'sBook_Answerkey.pdf
AMERICAN LANGUAGE HUB_Level2_Student'sBook_Answerkey.pdfAMERICAN LANGUAGE HUB_Level2_Student'sBook_Answerkey.pdf
AMERICAN LANGUAGE HUB_Level2_Student'sBook_Answerkey.pdf
 
Model Call Girl in Tilak Nagar Delhi reach out to us at 🔝9953056974🔝
Model Call Girl in Tilak Nagar Delhi reach out to us at 🔝9953056974🔝Model Call Girl in Tilak Nagar Delhi reach out to us at 🔝9953056974🔝
Model Call Girl in Tilak Nagar Delhi reach out to us at 🔝9953056974🔝
 
THEORIES OF ORGANIZATION-PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
THEORIES OF ORGANIZATION-PUBLIC ADMINISTRATIONTHEORIES OF ORGANIZATION-PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
THEORIES OF ORGANIZATION-PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
 
OS-operating systems- ch04 (Threads) ...
OS-operating systems- ch04 (Threads) ...OS-operating systems- ch04 (Threads) ...
OS-operating systems- ch04 (Threads) ...
 
GRADE 4 - SUMMATIVE TEST QUARTER 4 ALL SUBJECTS
GRADE 4 - SUMMATIVE TEST QUARTER 4 ALL SUBJECTSGRADE 4 - SUMMATIVE TEST QUARTER 4 ALL SUBJECTS
GRADE 4 - SUMMATIVE TEST QUARTER 4 ALL SUBJECTS
 
MULTIDISCIPLINRY NATURE OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES.pptx
MULTIDISCIPLINRY NATURE OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES.pptxMULTIDISCIPLINRY NATURE OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES.pptx
MULTIDISCIPLINRY NATURE OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES.pptx
 
ECONOMIC CONTEXT - LONG FORM TV DRAMA - PPT
ECONOMIC CONTEXT - LONG FORM TV DRAMA - PPTECONOMIC CONTEXT - LONG FORM TV DRAMA - PPT
ECONOMIC CONTEXT - LONG FORM TV DRAMA - PPT
 
ISYU TUNGKOL SA SEKSWLADIDA (ISSUE ABOUT SEXUALITY
ISYU TUNGKOL SA SEKSWLADIDA (ISSUE ABOUT SEXUALITYISYU TUNGKOL SA SEKSWLADIDA (ISSUE ABOUT SEXUALITY
ISYU TUNGKOL SA SEKSWLADIDA (ISSUE ABOUT SEXUALITY
 
HỌC TỐT TIẾNG ANH 11 THEO CHƯƠNG TRÌNH GLOBAL SUCCESS ĐÁP ÁN CHI TIẾT - CẢ NĂ...
HỌC TỐT TIẾNG ANH 11 THEO CHƯƠNG TRÌNH GLOBAL SUCCESS ĐÁP ÁN CHI TIẾT - CẢ NĂ...HỌC TỐT TIẾNG ANH 11 THEO CHƯƠNG TRÌNH GLOBAL SUCCESS ĐÁP ÁN CHI TIẾT - CẢ NĂ...
HỌC TỐT TIẾNG ANH 11 THEO CHƯƠNG TRÌNH GLOBAL SUCCESS ĐÁP ÁN CHI TIẾT - CẢ NĂ...
 
Gas measurement O2,Co2,& ph) 04/2024.pptx
Gas measurement O2,Co2,& ph) 04/2024.pptxGas measurement O2,Co2,& ph) 04/2024.pptx
Gas measurement O2,Co2,& ph) 04/2024.pptx
 
Raw materials used in Herbal Cosmetics.pptx
Raw materials used in Herbal Cosmetics.pptxRaw materials used in Herbal Cosmetics.pptx
Raw materials used in Herbal Cosmetics.pptx
 
4.18.24 Movement Legacies, Reflection, and Review.pptx
4.18.24 Movement Legacies, Reflection, and Review.pptx4.18.24 Movement Legacies, Reflection, and Review.pptx
4.18.24 Movement Legacies, Reflection, and Review.pptx
 
ANG SEKTOR NG agrikultura.pptx QUARTER 4
ANG SEKTOR NG agrikultura.pptx QUARTER 4ANG SEKTOR NG agrikultura.pptx QUARTER 4
ANG SEKTOR NG agrikultura.pptx QUARTER 4
 
Like-prefer-love -hate+verb+ing & silent letters & citizenship text.pdf
Like-prefer-love -hate+verb+ing & silent letters & citizenship text.pdfLike-prefer-love -hate+verb+ing & silent letters & citizenship text.pdf
Like-prefer-love -hate+verb+ing & silent letters & citizenship text.pdf
 
What is Model Inheritance in Odoo 17 ERP
What is Model Inheritance in Odoo 17 ERPWhat is Model Inheritance in Odoo 17 ERP
What is Model Inheritance in Odoo 17 ERP
 
Earth Day Presentation wow hello nice great
Earth Day Presentation wow hello nice greatEarth Day Presentation wow hello nice great
Earth Day Presentation wow hello nice great
 
Influencing policy (training slides from Fast Track Impact)
Influencing policy (training slides from Fast Track Impact)Influencing policy (training slides from Fast Track Impact)
Influencing policy (training slides from Fast Track Impact)
 
Visit to a blind student's school🧑‍🦯🧑‍🦯(community medicine)
Visit to a blind student's school🧑‍🦯🧑‍🦯(community medicine)Visit to a blind student's school🧑‍🦯🧑‍🦯(community medicine)
Visit to a blind student's school🧑‍🦯🧑‍🦯(community medicine)
 

Expressing probability

  • 1. Expressing PROBABILITY José Antonio Alcalde When talking about the future we can express different things with different degrees of probability. Look at the following sequence from something impossible to something certain: IMPOSSIBILITY > IMPROBABILITY > PROBABILITY > POSSIBILITY > CERTAINTY We can express these degress with the help of modal verbs, adverbs and some typical expressions. IMPOSSIBILITY: We are sure that something is not going to happen. • • • • Subject + WON'T + verb (base form) Subject + WON'T BE ABLE TO + verb (base form) [CAN has no future form] It is impossible (that)... There is no chance... IMPROBABILITY: We think something is improbable to happen. • • • • • • It is not probable (that) … = It is improbable (that) … It is unlikely (that)... It is very doubtful (that)... You can't tell for sure... I doubt (that)... = It is doubtful (that)... I don't think... PROBABILITY: Now there is a probability that something happens. • • • • • • • Subject + MAY + verb (base form) Subject + MIGHT + verb (base form) [weaker possibility than MAY] Subject + COULD + verb (base form) I believe... It looks as if... There is a little chance... Presumably POSSIBILITY: Here we can express that something is possible if some circunstances occur. • • • • • • • • • Conditional senteces type 1 Subject + CAN + verb (base form) Maybe.... = Perhaps... It is possible (that)... Possibly... = Apparently... I suppose... = I guess... (informal and typical in conversations) There is a chance... = There is good chance... There is possibility (that)... It is more than likely (that)... CERTAINTY: Now we are sure that something is going to happen. • Surely... = It is for sure (that)... • I am absolutely sure (that)... = I am certain (that)... = I am positive... • Definitely... = Certainly... = Clearly... = Of course... = No doubt.... = Undeniably.... = Absolutely...