FluencyLab
GrammarHub
Express probability with adjective and adverb structures, paying attention to word order and strength.
Overview
Express probability with adjective and adverb structures, paying attention to word order and strength.
Form and rules
Be likely/unlikely to + infinitive expresses probability: Prices are likely to rise.
Be bound to + infinitive expresses very strong expectation: You're bound to enjoy it.
Probably usually comes before a main verb but after be: It will probably rain; She is probably home.
Definitely follows similar placement: I definitely agree; He is definitely qualified.
In negative future statements, probably commonly comes before won't: It probably won't happen.
A closer look
Definitely follows similar placement: I definitely agree; He is definitely qualified.
In negative future statements, probably commonly comes before won't: It probably won't happen.
Examples
The train is likely to be crowded.
He's unlikely to agree.
You're bound to make mistakes at first.
She'll probably call later.
This is definitely the right address.
Common mistakes
Be likely is followed by to + infinitive.
Unlikely expresses a low probability.
Ready to practise?
The test combines multiple choice, gap completion, error correction, and sentence building so students have to recognise and produce the grammar, not simply reread the rule.