Expressing probability or improbability:
See the difference between probability and possibility.
There are many ways to say that something will probably or improbably happen.
Probability / improbability
... | may might can could | ... |
... will | probably | |
It's | probable improbable likely unlikely | that ... |
I | doubt suppose guess | ... will ... |
'd be surprised | if .... |
Perhaps May be | ... will ... |
Examples of probability:
- It is probable that my grandfather repairs my bike.
- May be / perhaps the problem won’t be serious.
- It will probably rain this evening.
- I’m likely to do the work myself.
Examples of improbability:
- No, probably not.
- I don't suppose my grandfather will repair the bike.
- I doubt my father will buy me a new computer, either.
- She is unlikely to return home early this evening.
- I'd be surprised if he got the best score.
- It's unlikely he will find his lost keys.
Expressing probability in the past:
... | may might can could | have | Past Participle |
Examples of probability in the past:
- He may have robbed your computer while you were out.
- The criminal might have threatened her. That's why, she was afraid of him.
- The author might have carried a deep research on the subject. That's why his book is so interesting.
Examples of improbability in the past:
- He may have not lived in this town. Nobody seems to know him.
- She can't have helped him in his crime as they have never met before.
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