Possibility: present and future

Possibility: present and future

Open Ended

We use ... to make predictions about the future

I don't think the president will be re-elected.

Open Ended

We use ... to express impossibility.

He can't be at work. His car is outside.

Open Ended

We use may, ..., ... to talk about the possibility of something happening

"Where is Max? " "He could be doing his homework."

It may rain later, so we might not play tennis.

Open Ended

We use ... to say that something will probably happen, in our opinion.

Spain should beat England.

Open Ended

We use the ... continuous and the future perfect to make assumptions about the present.

It's 8 o'clock. Carolyn will be driving to work.

I think Emily will have left the office by now.

Open Ended

We use ... to conclude that something is certain.

Dad isn't at home. He must be at work.

Other phrases to express probability

• It's so cold. It's bound to snow tonight. (=certain)

• Chances are it will rain tomorrow. (very probable)

• Are you likely to go to Jeff's party? 

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