LoginAdverbs of Probability
Discover the rules for using adverbs of probability, like 'surely', 'clearly', and 'evidently'. Detailed explanations and a quiz to test your knowledge.
What Are Adverbs of Probability?
Adverbs of probability are a type of adverb used to indicate the likelihood or probability of an event or situation occurring. They provide information about the speaker's or writer's degree of certainty or uncertainty about what is being discussed.
Most Common Adverbs of Probability
The most common adverbs of probability are:
definitely
certainly
maybe
possibly
perhaps
probably
likely
(most) likely
Adverbs of Probability: Form
Most adverbs of probability end in -ly. For example:
It will probably take place at midnight.
You should certainly consider it.
However, there are some exceptions. Some of them are flat adverbs (also called bare adverbs or simple adverbs) and some others are prepositional phrases acting as adverbs:
maybe
perhaps
doubtless
sure (informal)
no doubt
for sure (informal)
for certain
There would doubtless be lots of rumors.
I'll be there for sure.
Adverbs of Probability: Placement
We usually place adverbs of probability before the main verb. If the sentence has an auxiliary or modal verb, the adverb comes between the auxiliary and main verb.
They're probably going to the stadium.
You definitely need a break.
However, if the verb of the sentence is 'to be', adverbs of probability come after it.
This is certainly not mine.
Diana is probably right.
Usually, 'perhaps' and 'maybe' are placed at the beginning of the clause.
Maybe he'll come tomorrow.
Perhaps it will snow tomorrow.
Tip!
'Perhaps' can be used at the end of the sentence, but only in spoken English.
We'll watch a movie, perhaps.
Adverbs of Probability: Uses
Here, you can see a list of the most common adverbs of probability arranged from the least likely to the most likely:
maybe | the least likely |
perhaps | |
possibly | |
probably | |
most likely | |
obviously | |
definitely | |
certainly | the most likely |
Review
Adverbs of probability are used to express how certain we are about an event. They are mainly used in the following positions:
before the main verb
after 'to be' as main verb
sometimes at the beginning of the clause
She probably knows the answer.
before main verb
That's definitely a scam!
after 'to be'
Perhaps we should reconsider the proposal.
at the beginning of the clause
Quiz:
Which sentence does not place the adverb of probability correctly?
They certainly will win the game.
He is probably the best candidate.
We are most likely going to the concert.
Maybe she will arrive by 8 PM.
Sort the words to form a correct sentence.
Match each incomplete sentence with the correct ending.
Which sentence expresses the highest degree of possibility?
Maybe we'll go to the beach.
He probably forgot our meeting.
This is definitely the right answer.
The event will possibly be a huge success.
Use the correct adverb of probability to rewrite each sentence.
I'm sure she is the best candidate for the job. → She is
the best candidate for the job.
We might cancel the picnic. →
we will cancel the picnic.
I don't know if I will pass the exam. → I will
pass the exam.
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