probability possibility
Probability, Possibility
Modal auxiliary verbs, along with other parts of speech, can express the probability (certainty, possibility) of something happening, and different conditions, states, and situations.
Terms indicating probability
Modals: must; could, might, may; can’t, couldn’t
Adverbs: definitely, certainly; probably; possibly
Verbs: know; believe; think; doubt
Adjectives: definite, sure, positive, certain; possible
Form of Probabilities, Possibilities: Positive
Forms of be: be, am, is, are, was, were, been, being
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(+): Subject + must; could/might/may + verb-1. (-): Subject + might not/may not; can’t/couldn’t + verb-1. Subject + be + adverb (not) + noun/adjective. Subject + adverb + be (not) + noun/adjective. Subject + adverb + (do not) + main verb. Subject + (do not) + know; believe; think; doubt (that) Subject + be (not) + definite/sure/positive/certain (that) Perhaps/Maybe + subject + verb. |
Note: saying absolutely, certainly or definitely, does not necessarily mean it is so.
Who might be saying the following to whom? Why did they say that?
| 99% | |
| Know | 1. Everyone knows that it’s a just myth. |
| Definitely | 2. Theirs is definitely the best. |
| Certainly | 3. They certainly talk a lot. |
| Sure | 4. I am sure it was just a bird or a cat. |
| Positive | 5. Bernie is positive he left it right here. |
| 90% | |
| Must | 6. Ted and his friends must be exhausted by now. |
| 7. Dr. Ghosh must have a lot of patients. | |
| 85% | |
| Believe | 8. We all believed she was innocent (not guilty). |
| 75% | |
| Probably | 9. Domingo is probably the most qualified. |
| Think | 10. The boss thought the ad was corny. I thought so too. |
| 50% | |
| Could | 11. Quiet! This could be a prospect or a client. |
| Might | 12. Unmotivated students might not be the problem. |
| May | 13. The rumours may be true. |
| Maybe | 14. Maybe they are embarrassed or shy. |
| Perhaps | 15. Perhaps her method really works. |
| Possible | 16. It’s possible that someone embezzled the funds. |
| 20%-25% | |
| Probably | 17. Jaclyn is probably not interested. |
| Doubt | 18. I doubt that explanation is correct. |
| Don’t think | 19. They didn’t think Maryam was capable. |
| 10% | |
| Can’t be | 20. Today can’t be a workday/school day. |
| Couldn’t be | 21. Apendia couldn’t be a poor country. |
| 1% | |
| Certainly | 22. They certainly don’t practice enough. |
| Definitely | 23. This definitely isn’t the right way! |
| Impossible | 24. Impossible! That’s impossible! |
Respond to the following sentences using words that express certainty, probability, or possibility.
Personal
1. Milton’s got a new car. Example: He probably has a rich uncle. Maybe his mother is a doctor.
2. Everyone stares at Mr. and Mrs. Shula when they walk down the street.
3. Johan is smiling to himself.
4. Sherry is 42, but she looks 27. Her cousin is 37…he looks 52.
5. Carlton looks depressed.
Places
6. The town’s population is increasing.
7. The city is awful quiet today. There are hardly any cars or people in the streets.
8. There is a parade with celebrating and a festival in the town centre.
9. It’s getting hotter here.
10. Mr. and Mrs. Baumann have moved to Costa Rica.
School, Work
11. There is a lively, exciting atmosphere in the office/class today.
12. The students/workers are very enthusiastic, motivated, and energetic about their lessons/work.
13. The office/class awful is quiet today; no one is speaking.
14. Mr. Liu has become very successful and prosperous.
15. But his former classmate is always broke and in debt.
People
16. Nobody here speaks English.
17. The Lightning Football team has a winning record.
18. Look. Some people are protesting there.
19. Many people are emigrating.
20. Many newcomers have moved here recently.
Business, Economics
21. Don’t invest in that scheme.
22. The economy of Cartilagia is booming, while that of Ligamentia is in recession.
23. This restaurant is very popular among city residents.
24. The government has a deficit.
25. That company comes up with great innovations and high-quality products.
