When you ask for opinions about future probability, you usually use will + base form or be going to + base form. However, there are other alternatives that are also common in spoken English.
We use some expressions to talk about how sure we are about something in the future.
Some expressions show high certainty, and others show low probability.
In the table below, you can find a collection of useful phrases and expressions that will help you convey future probabilities with confidence.
| Probability | Expressions | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Almost certain (≈99%) | definitely be bound to | Subject + will definitely + verb Subject + be bound to + verb | Canada will definitely win the game. Canada is bound to win the game. |
| Very likely (≈75%) | probably there’s a good chance it’s likely that | Subject + will probably + verb There’s a good chance (that) + subject + will + verb It’s likely that + subject + will + verb | Canada will probably win the game. There’s a good chance Canada will win the game. It’s likely that Canada will win the game. |
| Possible (≈50%) | might (not) there’s a chance | Subject + might (not) + verb There’s a chance (that) + subject + will + verb | Canada might win the game. There’s a chance Canada will win the game. |
| Not very likely (≈25%) | probably won’t there’s a small chance it’s unlikely that | Subject + probably won’t + verb There’s a small chance (that) + subject + will + verb It’s unlikely that + subject + will + verb | Canada probably won’t win the game. It’s unlikely that Canada will win the game. |
| Almost impossible (≈1%) | definitely won’t I doubt | Subject + definitely won’t + verb I doubt + subject + will + verb | Canada definitely won’t win the game. I doubt Canada will win the game. |
Important Grammar Notes
1. After modal verbs (might, will), use the base form of the verb.
- Canada might win.
- She will probably arrive late.
❌ might wins
❌ will probably arrives
2. “That” is optional in some expressions.
- There’s a good chance (that) Canada will win.
- It’s likely (that) they will arrive late.
3. “Probably” goes after “will”.
Correct:
- She will probably come.
Incorrect:
- ❌ She probably will come (possible but less natural for learners at this level).
Quick Examples
- I think the test will probably be difficult.
- Our team might win the game.
- There’s a good chance we’ll finish early.
- It’s unlikely that he’ll forget the meeting.
- I doubt they will agree.
Let’s Practice
Practice 1
Practice 2
Speaking practice
- Imagine what life will be like in ten years’ time.
- Spin the wheel and discuss each statement on the spinning wheel
- Express how likely you think each will be.
- Negotiate where to place the statement next to the thermometer of probability, with high temperature meaning It’ll definitely … and cold temperatures meaning It definitely won’t … .
- Try to use a range of phrases during their negotiations.
