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EXPRESS DEGREES OF CERTAINTY

 When we talk about facts, plans, or predictions, we often express how sure or unsure we are. This is called expressing degrees of certainty. Words and phrases like "definitely," "probably," "maybe," or "I think" show how certain we feel about something.

In this lesson, you will learn how to express certainty or uncertainty about events, facts, and opinions. You’ll also practice using modal verbs, adverbs, and phrases to communicate different levels of certainty effectively.


GRAMMAR

1. Modal Verbs for Certainty and Possibility

Modal verbs help express how sure you are about something.

  • Must: Strong certainty.
    Example: "It must be true."
  • Might/May: Possibility.
    Example: "It might rain later."
  • Could: Less certainty.
    Example: "She could be at home."
  • Can’t: Strong certainty about something not being true.
    Example: "That can’t be right."

2. Adverbs for Certainty

Adverbs describe how certain you are.

  • Definitely: 100% sure.
    Example: "It’s definitely going to snow tomorrow."
  • Probably: Likely but not 100%.
    Example: "She’s probably at school."
  • Possibly: Less likely but still possible.
    Example: "They’ll possibly arrive late."
  • Maybe/Perhaps: Uncertainty.
    Example: "Maybe we’ll go to the park."

3. Expressions with "I think/I don’t think"

Use these to share opinions when you’re not fully certain.
Examples:

  • "I think he’ll come to the party."
  • "I don’t think it will rain today."

VOCABULARY

  1. Certain: Completely sure about something.
    Example: "I am certain he’ll win."

  2. Likely: High chance of happening.
    Example: "It’s likely to snow tonight."

  3. Unlikely: Low chance of happening.
    Example: "It’s unlikely we’ll finish on time."

  4. Possibility: Something that might happen.
    Example: "There’s a possibility of rain."

  5. Doubt: Not sure about something.
    Example: "I have some doubts about his story."

  6. Prediction: Saying what will happen in the future.
    Example: "Her prediction was correct."

  7. Confident: Feeling sure about something.
    Example: "I’m confident he’ll win the race."

  8. Assume: Believe something is true without proof.
    Example: "I assume they’ll arrive soon."

  9. Questionable: Not certain or doubtful.
    Example: "His decision is questionable."

  10. Expected: Likely to happen.
    Example: "The results are expected tomorrow."


USEFUL EXPRESSIONS

  1. "I’m 100% sure..."
  2. "It’s highly likely..."
  3. "There’s a good chance that..."
  4. "I doubt that..."
  5. "I’m not sure, but..."
  6. "It might happen."
  7. "It’s possible that..."
  8. "I don’t think..."
  9. "There’s no way..."
  10. "It’s uncertain."

SENTENCES

Positive Sentences

  • "I’m certain she’ll pass the test."
  • "It might snow later."
  • "They’re probably at the café."

Negative Sentences

  • "I don’t think he’ll come."
  • "It can’t be true!"
  • "She’s unlikely to join us."

Questions

  • "Do you think they’ll win the game?"
  • "Is it possible that he forgot?"
  • "How sure are you about the plan?"

Answers

  • "I’m 100% sure about it."
  • "Maybe, but I’m not certain."
  • "There’s a good chance it’ll work."

CONVERSATION

Scene: Two friends planning a weekend trip.

Alice: Hey, do you think it’ll rain this weekend?
Mark: I’m not sure, but it might. I saw some clouds earlier.
Alice: Hmm, should we cancel the trip then?
Mark: No, let’s not cancel it. It’s possible that the weather will improve.
Alice: You’re probably right. I think it’ll be fine by Saturday.
Mark: Yeah, let’s assume the rain won’t last long.


READING

"How Sure Are You?"

People express certainty and uncertainty in different ways depending on their culture, personality, and the situation. For example, in business, it’s common to use phrases like "I’m confident" or "There’s a high probability" to sound professional and convincing.

In daily conversations, we often use simpler expressions like "I think" or "Maybe" to share our thoughts. When talking about the future, phrases like "It will definitely happen" or "It might happen" are common.

Being able to express degrees of certainty helps us communicate more effectively. For example, if you’re planning an event, you can say, "I’m sure it will be sunny tomorrow," or, "There’s a chance it might rain, so let’s bring umbrellas just in case."


Questions and Answers

  1. Q: What phrases are common in business to express certainty?
    A: Phrases like "I’m confident" or "There’s a high probability" are common in business.

  2. Q: What do people often say in daily conversations to show uncertainty?
    A: People often say "I think" or "Maybe" in daily conversations.

  3. Q: Why is it important to express degrees of certainty?
    A: It helps us communicate more effectively and share our thoughts clearly.

  4. Q: What can you say if you’re not sure about the weather?
    A: You can say, "It might rain later."

  5. Q: Give an example of a sentence showing strong certainty.
    A: "I’m 100% sure it will happen."

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