POSSIBILITY AND PROBABILITY

Look at the table showing different ways of expressing probability and the example sentences below. Notice the different
sentence structures.
Pattern A It’s probable that Manchester United will win the cup.
Pattern B Manchester United are likely to win the cup.
Pattern C In all probability Manchester United will win the cup.
Pattern D I imagine that Manchester United will win the cup
Pattern E Manchester United will probably win the cup.
Pattern A Pattern B Pattern C
a foregone conclusion bound There’s no doubt
inevitable certain The chances are/The odds are
probable likely that
quite possible sure There is a good/slim/fair chance
possible unlikely that
just possible There’s little chance that
unlikely There’s little likelihood that
doubtful There’s no chance that
inconceivable In all probability
Maybe
Perhaps

Pattern D Pattern E
I’m quite convinced that will certainly
I’m certain that will definitely
I imagine that will probably
I wouldn’t have thought that probably won’t
I shouldn’t think that certainly won’t
I doubt very much whether definitely

1-It seems likely that the company will fold.

PROBABILITY
.........................................................................................................................................................................................
ODDS
.......................................................................................................................................................................................
2-He stood no chance of passing his exam.
BOUND
.......................................................................................................................................................................................
INEVITABLE
.......................................................................................................................................................................................
3-I hardly think she will agree to give you a pay rise
DOUBT
........................................................................................................................................................................................
LIKELIHOOD
......................................................................................................................................................................................
4-It seems a foregone conclusion that Davis will win the gold medal.
CERTAIN
.......................................................................................................................................................................................
DOUBT
.......................................................................................................................................................................................
5-The project shouldn’t take longer than Thursday to finish.
CHANCES
.......................................................................................................................................................................................
PROBABILITY
.....................................................................................................................................................................................
6-In all probability, there will be a rise in temperature in the next century.
LIKELY
.......................................................................................................................................................................................
7-She is almost certain to turn down your proposal.
DOUBT
........................................................................................................................................................................................
8-No one stands a chance of beating Mansell in this year’s championship
FOREGONE
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