Showing Probability
Common Phrases to Show Probability
There are many ways to show how certain you are about an opinion. These are some of the most common:
100% (Certain)
I'm sure that...
There's no doubt that...
Example:
I'm positive that the interest rate on that loan is negotiable.
I'm sure that you will find the terms are negotiable.
75% (Probable)
This is likely to...
I expect that...
I wouldn't be surprised if...
Example:
I expect that I will use my overdraft protection liberally as prices go up and my salary goes down.
I expect that most credit card issuers will be amending their card holder agreements.
50% (Possible)
There's a chance that...
It's possible that...
Maybe...
Example:
It is possible that Acme Motors will get an endorsement from the new music star.
She told me the amortization of the loan may decrease by next year.
25% (Unlikely)
This probably isn't ...
I don't think that...
We are unlikely to...
I doubt that...
Example:
I don't think the meeting of the limited partnership is going to take place if we don't hear from Bankers Investment Group.
This probably isn't the best time to think of taking a second mortgage to finance our project.