Adverbs of Probability for intermediate learners
Adverbs of probability indicate how certain we are about an action. In this lesson, we will learn about how and when to use them.
What Are Adverbs of Probability?
Adverbs of probability (also called adverbs of certainty) show us the possibility of an event or action.
Common Adverbs of Probability
Mainly, we have thousands of adverbs of probability in English. However, below is a list of several common probability adverbs. Let us take a look:
- Probably
- Likely
- Unlikely
- Surely
- Undoubtedly
- Possibly
- Maybe
Structure
Some adverbs of probability end in '-ly'. Take a look at the examples below:
I'd
She will
However, there are several adverbs of probability that do not have an '-ly' at the end. Study the following examples below:
He will do as he's told,
Where Do We Put Them in Sentences?
Adverbs of probability are mainly placed before the main verb. Look at the following examples:
She should
They
How Do We Use Them in Sentences?
In the table below, you can see adverbs of probability ranging from the least likely to happen to the most likely to happen:
| Certainly | The most likely |
|---|---|
| Definitely | |
| Obviously | |
| Likely | |
| Probably | |
| Possibly | |
| Perhaps | |
| Maybe | The least likely |
Now, let us see some examples below:
I should
Here, the sentence is showing that there is the chance is 50% that the person go.
Here, there is little chance for the idea to be true.
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