CHAPTER 4

CERTAINTY & UNCERTAINTY

Learning Objectives:

After completed this chapter, students will be able to:

 Understand how to use expressions to express certainty and uncertainty

Certainty and uncertainty

Certainty is the state of being completely confident or having no doubt about

something. However, uncertainty is when nothing is ever decided or sure.

Expressing certainty

When you are sure that something will or will not happen in the future, use these
expressions.

For example to the question:

"Will John pass the exam?"

you may respond as follows:

Yes, I'm absolutely sure he will.

quite sure
certain
positive

definitely.
certainly.
of course.

or

No, I'm absolutely sure he won't.

quite sure
certain
 positive

definitely not.
certainly not.
of course not.

Expressing uncertainty

When you are not sure whether something or someone will or will not happen, use
the following expressions.

For example, to the question:

"Will John follow a career in business?"

you may respond as follows:

Well, it's possible, I suppose, but I wouldn't like to say for certain.
it's impossible, I'm not sure
it might be, I doubt it.
it might not be, I have my own doubts.
it could happen, it's doubtful.
It's highly / very unlikely.

you never know of course,

no one can know for certain.
I can't tell you for sure.

Asking for Certainty:

Are you sure?

Are you sure about it?
Are you certain about it?
Do you think it is true?
Do you think so?
How sure are you?
Expressing Certainty:
Yes, I am certain.
I’m a hundred percent certain …
I’m absolutely sure.
I have no doubt about it.
I’m sure about it.
I don’t think there can be any doubt about ….
Of course.
I’m positive.
I’m quite sure about it.
I’m no doubt about it.
I’m absolutely certain that…

Expressing Uncertainty:

I’m not sure about it.

I doubt it.
I’m not really sure about…
I don’t know for sure…
It’s very unlikely.
I have my own doubts.
I don’t think so.
I don’t believe this is true.
There’s some doubt in my mind that …
I’m not a hundred percent sure.
I don’t know yet.
Expression of Asking For, Giving Certainty and Uncertainty

Example of 1
Herry : Will Mr. Asror come to the clinic on time?
Wira : It’s possible but not sure.
Herry : How are you not sure?
Wira : Because he is still in operation room.

Example of 2
Rana : Are you sure that Nisha will go to the health seminar today?
Lulu : Sorry, I am not sure about it.
Rana : Why?
Lulu : Because she is still sick.