certainty, possibility, probability, likelihood. predictions of the future vary insofar as the...

CERTAINTY, POSSIBILITY, PROBABILITY, LIKELIHOOD

Predictions of the future vary insofar as the attitude of the speaker or the actual truth about facts related to the future vary.

Predictions can have the following values: certainty, (im)possibility / probability, likelihood.

Usually expressed with the help of will + verb

e.g. There will be a crisis next year, too. It’s in the newspapers!

The shareholders won’t be very happy; the dividends have lost their value on the market.

Usually expressed by modals like may / might (not) + verb

e.g. There may be a crisis next year, too – nobody can tell for sure.

They might have to move; at least, that’s how the rumours go.

Situations that are likely to happen can be expressed using the modal could + verb or may / might + verb

e.g. There could be a problem in the fact that the suppliers haven’t been paid on time.

WILL + VERB BE GOING TO + VERB

WILL + VERB IS USED TO MAKE A PREDICTION WE ARE CERTAIN OF, USUALLY IN A FORMAL CONTEXT

e.g. In ten years’ time, people’s lives won’t (will not) be different.

WILL + VERB IS USED WHEN PERSONAL OPINIONS ABOUT A FUTURE ACTION ARE EXPRESSED (USUALLY WITH THE HELP OF CERTAIN EXPRESSIONS, SUCH AS: I THINK THAT, I’M SURE, I BELIEVE THAT, PROBABLY, DEFINITELY….

e.g. I’m sure it will rain tomorrow.

BE GOING TO + VERB IS USED TO MAKE A PREDICTION WE ARE CERTAIN OF, IN A MORE INFORMAL CONTEXT

e.g. Yuck! It’s going to be hot tomorrow.

BE GOING TO + VERB IS USED WHEN EXPRESSING PREDICTIONS BASED ON A CERTAIN PROOF OR EXPECTANCY

e.g. Look at the sky! It’s going to rain!

WILL + VERB BE GOING TO + VERB

On-the-spot decisions about the future

e.g. Hmmm! I like this jacket! I will take it!

Promises of actions for the future

e.g. Don’t worry! I promise I will pay you back!

Already taken decisions

e.g. I have to write an essay for the next week. I’m going to stay home tonight.