In Grammar 8-1, you learned how to use verbs to express speculation. This lesson will look at speculating using adjectives.
It is + (un)certain / (im)probable / (un)likely / (im)possible (+ that) + clause
This structure allows you to speculate about the chances of something being true or happening. Each adjective expresses a different degree of certainty or likelihood.
Certain means that you are sure or almost sure of something being true. The use of this adjective shows that the belief is strong.
- It’s certain that A.I. will change many things about the ways we live and work.
Probable and likely mean you are fairly sure. These adjectives are used when you believe the chance of something being true is greater than 50%.
- It’s likely that most people haven’t filled out the form and returned it yet.
- It’s probable that in 20 years, most cars will be self-driving.
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