I. Put the words in order to make predictions about the future.

a) I _____________________________ rich and famous.

(won't be probably)
b) He ___________________________ you the answer.
(likely tell to isn't)
c) They __________________________ to the party.
(come won't probably)
d) My brother _____________________________ us.
(want might help to not)



Name: ______________________________________ Date: _______________, 2014
Predicting the Future
We can say how sure we feel about the future by using modal verbs. There are also other phrases we can use to express
our certainty or uncertainty about future events.

Modal verbs
We can combine modal verbs with adverbs to show a greater or lesser degree of certainty.

People will work longer hours in the future. (100%)
People wont work longer hours in the future. (0% this happen)

Both of these sentences show that the speaker is sure.
Youll probably enjoy this film. (80% - 95%)
You probably wont enjoy this film. (5% - 20%)

The speaker is thinks (s)hes right but isnt 100% sure.
She might pass the exam. (50% - 80%)
She might not pass. I dont know. (20% - 50%)

Other expressions
Here are some other ways to talk about how certain we are about something in the future.

1. I think so but Im not 100% sure
Katka is likely to pass the exam. (80% - 95%)
Theres a good chance that Katka will pass the exam.

2. I dont think so
Jane isn't likely to pass the exam. (5% - 20%)
Theres not much chance Jane will pass.