Expressions about how likely something is

Let's look at some collocations that talk about how likely or unlikely something is to happen.

• highly likely (this will probably happen): It's highly likely that it will rain later.

• a slim chance (this will probably not happen): There's a slim chance he'll be here on time.

• a distinct possibility (this will probably happen): There's a distinct possibility that the whole thing

will be cancelled.

• in no doubt (definitely): I am in no doubt that she will be an excellent manager.

• the odds are against (this is unlikely): The odds are against him passing the exam.

Let's review! What word do you need to put in?

1. There's a _________________________ chance that they will call.

2. We're in no _________________________ that she's right.

3. The odds are _________________________ us catching the train.

4. A: Do you think it's going to snow? B: It's _________________________ likely.

5. I think there's a slim _________________________ that your team will win.

6. There's a distinct _________________________ that they'll leave the country.

7. The _________________________ are against him being elected.

8. I am in _________________________ doubt that this is a good idea.

9. It's highly _________________________ that she'll graduate this year.

10. There's a _________________________ possibility that he will get fired.

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Answers

1. There's a slim chance that they will call.

2. We're in no doubt that she's right.

3. The odds are against us catching the train.

4. A: Do you think it's going to snow? B: It's highly likely.

5. I think there's a slim chance that your team will win.

6. There's a distinct possibility that they'll leave the country.

7. The odds are against him being elected.

8. I am in no doubt that this is a good idea.

9. It's highly likely that she'll graduate this year.

10. There's a distinct possibility that he will get fired.

2 © www.perfect-english-grammar.com
May be freely copied for personal or classroom use.