Adverbs of Probability for intermediate learners

adverbs of probability

Adverbs of probability indicate how certain we are about an action. In this lesson, we will learn about how and when to use them.

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"Adverbs of Probability" in the English Grammar

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.

Common Adverbs of Probability

There are thousands of adverbs of probability in English. However, below is a list of some of the most common ones. 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 probably go home tonight.

She will undoubtedly come to the class.

However, there are several adverbs of probability that do not have an '-ly' at the end. Study the following examples:

He will do as he's told, indeed.

Perhaps it's better that we stay in today.

Placement

Adverbs of probability are usually placed before the main verb. Look at the following examples:

She should definitely visit a therapist.

They certainly had glasses yesterday.

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:

The Most Likely	Certainly
	Definitely
	Obviously
	Likely
	Probably
	Possibly
	Perhaps
The Least Likely	Maybe

Now, let us see some examples:

I should probably get going.

Maybe Rick is not the traitor.

Here, there is little chance for the idea to be true.

Adverbs of Frequency

Adverbs of frequency show us how often an action takes place. We use them commonly in daily English so, it is essential to learn them. Read here.

Adverbs of Manner

Adverbs of manner give us more information about how the verb is done. To learn their grammatical function and how to use them, read this.

Adverbs of Degree

Adverbs of degree are mostly used before adjectives, adverbs, and verbs to intensify the term after them.

Adverbs of Movement and Direction

Adverb of movement or directions shows an action toward a place or points to a particular direction. In this lesson, we will learn about them.

Demonstrative Adverbs

Demonstrative adverbs emphasize the location of something in relation to the speaker. In this lesson, we will learn all about them.

Relative Adverbs

Relative adverbs are words that give us more description for nouns, the people, places, or things being discussed. Let's get to know them better.

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