EXPRESS DEGREES OF CERTAINTY

 Expressing degrees of certainty means talking about how sure or unsure you are about something. In English, we use different words and phrases to show if we are 100% sure, somewhat sure, or not sure at all.

For example:

• It is definitely going to rain today. (100% sure)

• She might be at home now. (50% sure)

• I don’t think he is coming. (Less than 50% sure)

Understanding how to express certainty helps in everyday conversations, making it easier to share your opinions and thoughts clearly.

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GRAMMAR

We use different modal verbs and adverbs to express certainty.

1. 100% Sure (Certain)

   • He must be the teacher.

   • She is definitely at work.

2. 50% Sure (Possible)

   • She might be at the park.

   • It could be true.

3. Less than 50% Sure (Uncertain)

   • I don’t think he likes pizza.

   • They probably won’t come to the party.

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VOCABULARY

1. Definitely – Without any doubt

2. Probably – More likely than not

3. Maybe – Possibly, but not sure

4. Perhaps – A formal way to say "maybe"

5. Sure – Certain about something

6. Uncertain – Not sure about something

7. Doubt – To think something is not true

8. Likely – Has a high chance of happening

9. Unlikely – Has a low chance of happening

10. Impossible – Something that cannot happen

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USEFUL EXPRESSIONS

• I am sure that...

• There is no doubt that...

• It is likely that...

• It is possible that...

• I don’t think that...

• It is unlikely that...

• Maybe he will come.

• She might be at school.

• I doubt that he will call.

• He must be the manager.

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SENTENCES

Positive:

• I am sure she is at home.

• He must be the new teacher.

• They are probably on their way.

Negative:

• I don’t think she is here.

• It isn’t possible that he won.

• They can’t be at work now.

Questions:

• Are you sure about that?

• Could she be the new manager?

• Is it possible that they left early?

Answers:

• Yes, I am sure.

• Maybe, but I’m not certain.

• No, it’s unlikely.

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CONVERSATION

Tom: Do you think it will rain today?

Anna: I’m not sure. It might rain later.

Tom: The sky is very dark. It must rain soon.

Anna: Yes, you’re right. It is probably going to rain.

Tom: I’ll take my umbrella, just in case.

Anna: Good idea! You definitely need it.

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READING

Liam and Sophia were planning a picnic. Liam looked at the sky and said, “It might rain today.” Sophia checked her phone and said, “The weather app says it will probably be sunny.” Liam was still unsure. “I don’t think we should take the risk,” he said. Sophia smiled and replied, “It must be fine. Let’s go!”

Questions:

1. What was Liam worried about?

2. What did Sophia check?

3. Who was more certain about the weather?

Answers:

1. Liam was worried about the rain.

2. Sophia checked the weather app.

3. Sophia was more certain about the weather.