The future: degrees of certainty

Do you know how to use phrases like will certainly, might, and probably won't to express your level of certainty about future events? Enhance your knowledge with a lesson given below and the grammar explanation to guide you better.

Look at these examples to see how we can express different degrees of certainty about the future.

• I'll certainly finish the project by Friday.

• He might join us for dinner if he finishes work early.

• It probably won't be as crowded at the park this weekend.

Grammar explanation - The future: degrees of certainty

We can show how certain we are about the future by using modal verbs and other expressions.

1. Modal verbs and adverbs

We can use modal verbs (such as will, might, may, or could) and adverbs (such as probably and definitely) to indicate our level of certainty.

2. Very sure

• Students will definitely embrace online learning more in the future.

• New technologies definitely won't eliminate the need for critical thinking skills.

3. Sure

• Sarah will really appreciate your help with the project.

• They won't forget this experience anytime soon.

4. Almost sure

• We'll probably have the results by the end of the week.

• She probably won't want to join us after all.

5. Not sure

• I might try the new restaurant, but I’m not certain yet.

• He hasn't prepared much, so he might struggle with the test.

When you are not sure, we can also use may, could, and may not. However, we don't usually use could not to talk about the future.

6. Other expressions

We can also use other expressions such as be bound to and be likely to, or verbs such as think and doubt.

7. Very sure

• She's bound to feel excited about her promotion.

• He's certain to enjoy the concert tonight!

• She's confident that she'll finish the report on time.

• There's no chance that we'll lose the match.

• There's no way that they'll cancel the event.

8. Sure

• I’m sure that you’ll love this book.

• Are you sure that you won't join us for dinner?

9. Almost sure

• The team is likely to win the championship this year.

• He’s unlikely to attend the meeting.

• There’s a good chance that it will rain tomorrow.

• There’s not much chance that I’ll be able to travel this summer.

• She thinks they’ll announce the results soon.

• I don't think we'll see significant changes in the policy.

• I doubt they'll find a solution before the deadline.

• What do you expect the weather will be like next month?

10. Not sure

• There's a chance that she might apply for the new position.

• There's a chance that he could come and join us this weekend.

• I think we might face some challenges with the new project.

• I'm not sure that I'll finish this book by the weekend!

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