Table of Contents
Introduction
Talking about predictions is a frequent topic in everyday conversations. Whether speculating about upcoming events or foreseeing outcomes, making predictions helps us engage in conversations about what will happen in the future.
In this article, we’ll explore common phrases for making predictions in English, exploring different structures and expressions to confidently anticipate future events.
Understanding Prediction Structures
Before diving into the various expressions used for making predictions, it’s essential to grasp the basic structures.
In English, we often express predictions using ‘will’ or ‘going to’ followed by a verb. Additionally, modal verbs and expressions of likelihood are utilized for making predictions. These various structures provide flexibility in conveying our anticipations about future events.
1. Using “Will” for Predictions:
When using “will” for predictions, we simply follow it with the base form of the verb, without “to.” This straightforward structure is versatile and widely used in both formal and informal contexts. For instance:
- “What do you think will happen next year?”
- “I think John and Sarah will get married!”
2. Using “Going to” for Predictions:
Alternatively, we can use “going to” to express predictions about future events. Similar to “will,” “going to” is followed by the base form of the verb. This structure often implies a sense of intention or prior plans regarding the predicted event. For example:
- “Next week is going to be very busy, I think.”
- “It’s going to rain. Look, it’s cloudy!”
3. Modal Verbs:
Modal verbs such as “might,” “may,” and “could” can also be used to express predictions with varying degrees of certainty. For example:
- “It might rain later.”
- “She may arrive early.”
- “He could win the race.”
4. Expressions of Likelihood:
Phrases such as “likely to,” “probably,” and “possibly” can also be used to convey predictions or expectations. For example:
- “It’s likely to snow tomorrow.”
- “They’re probably going to arrive late.”
- “He’s possibly the best candidate for the job.”
Asking and Responding to Predictions
Asking about Predictions:
To ask about someone’s predictions, use the following structures:
| What (do you think) | will happen? |
| is going to happen? | |
| might happen? | |
| is likely to happen? |
Examples:
- “What do you think will happen next year?”
- “What is going to happen tomorrow?”
- “What is likely to happen?”
Responding to Questions about Predictions:
To reply and make predictions you may use the following structures:
| (I think) … | will… |
| won’t… | |
| is going to… | |
| isn’t going to… | |
| is likely to… |
Examples:
- “Next week is going to be very busy, I think.”
- “There won’t be a rise in house prices next year.”
- “He isn’t going to win the election.”
- “It is like to rain tomorrow.”
Examples of Making Predictions
Let’s explore some practical examples to illustrate how predictions are formed using “will” and “going to”:
Talking about predictions (Examples):
- “I think it will rain later this afternoon.”
- “She’s going to ace the exam; she’s been studying diligently for weeks.”
- “They won’t arrive on time if they don’t leave now.”
- “He’s not going to make it to the meeting; his car broke down.”
- “I’m sure prices will increase after the holiday season.”
- “We’re going to have a fantastic time at the party; the decorations look amazing.”
- “The company will likely announce layoffs due to the economic downturn.”
- “I’m not going to eat dessert tonight; I’m trying to cut back on sugar.”
- “They will probably reach a compromise during the negotiation.”
- “The new restaurant isn’t going to survive long without better management.”
- “It might rain later, so don’t forget your umbrella.”
- “She may pass the test; she’s been improving her grades.”
- “If they hurry, they could catch the train.”
- “He could be the next CEO; he’s highly qualified for the position.”
- “There’s a good chance they’ll win the championship this year.”
- “It’s probable that they’ll finish the project ahead of schedule.”
- “There’s a possibility of a stock market crash next month.”
- “The team is likely to score a goal in the second half.”
- “It’s highly unlikely that they’ll cancel the event.”
- “There’s a slim chance of finding a parking spot downtown during rush hour.”
Things to Remember About Making Predictions
To make predictions with “will”, it’s crucial to keep certain points in mind to ensure clarity and accuracy in communication.
For instance, “won’t” is the contracted form of “will not,” commonly used in spoken English for negative predictions:
- “He won’t do it” is the short form of ” he will not do it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering the art of making predictions enhances our communicative skills and fosters effective dialogue. By understanding the structures and expressions outlined in this article, you can confidently anticipate future events in English conversations. Remember, whether using “will” or “going to,” clarity and context are key to conveying predictions accurately. So, next time you’re discussing future possibilities, apply these techniques to confidently express your foresight.
Related Pages: