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How to Express Predictions?
In grammar, prediction is concerned with hypothesizing and talking about what will happen in the future, using specific modals and semi-modals like will, would, shall, should, as well as be going to.
Prediction with 'Will' and 'Would'
We can use the modal verb 'will' and its past form 'would' to predict what will happen in the future. Both 'will' and 'would' are modal verbs, which means they have the same form for all subjects and are always followed by the base form of the main verb.
Will: Prediction in the Future
The modal verb 'will' can be used to talk about things that you think are going to happen. 'Will' can be contracted as 'll and its negative form (will not) can also be contracted as 'won't.'
She will be a great doctor.
You'll feel better after some rest.
You won't need any help with your assignment.
Would: Prediction in the Past
The modal verb 'would' is the past tense of 'will.' So, it can be used in the past tense to talk about events that were expected to happen at some point in the future from that past perspective. It can also express a more tentative or uncertain prediction.
I thought it would snow by new year's eve.
They all believed the correct answer would be number 4.
Prediction with 'Be Going To'
'Be going to' can be used in both present and past tenses to predict the future from a present or past perspective. For example:
They're going to love this gift.
We're going to be late if we don't leave now.
We could tell the team was going to lose after the first half.
Everyone believed the movie was going to be a hit.
Will vs. Be Going to
While 'be going to' is used for predictions that are more based on evidence or signs, 'will' predicts events mostly based on subjective opinions or assumptions. Compare the examples:
If you're a fan of dark fantasies, you're going to love this film.
This prediction is based on evidence.
You'll enjoy the film—it's really good.
This is a more personal opinion.
Prediction with 'Shall' and 'Should'
'Shall' and 'should' form another pair of modal verbs that can be used in predictions. Like other modal verbs, they have the same form for all subjects and are always followed by the base form of the verb.
Shall: Prediction Based on Intention
In modern usage, 'shall' is mostly limited to formal and literary styles. It predicts the future based on personal intentions or beliefs. For examples:
You shall regret this decision.
I shall return before sunset.
Should: Tentative Prediction
'Should' is used to talk about something that is expected or likely to happen. It presents a more tentative or uncertain prediction. Here are some examples:
The train should be here any minute.
This medicine should start working within a few hours.
Review
We can use the modal verbs 'will,' 'would,' 'shall,' and 'should' as well as 'be going to' as ways of predicting the future. The table below summarizes their differences
will | prediction based on personal assumptions |
|---|---|
would | predicting the future from a past perspective |
shall | prediction based on personal intention or judgement |
should | tentative prediction with a low degree of certainty |
be going to | prediction based on evidence |
Quiz:
Which uses "would" correctly for a past prediction?
Would you help me?
I would like to order a pizza.
She said it would rain.
I would go if I could.
Sort the words to form a correct sentence.
Which sentence shows a tentative prediction?
You'll love this movie!
The package should arrive tomorrow.
I shall return by noon.
They're going to win.
Match each sentence to its prediction type.
Complete each sentence using the appropriate modal/phrase.
He's running too fast! He
fall!
The package
arrive by Friday.
They thought it
be easy, but it wasn't.
She
pass the exam; she studied very hard.
You
receive the documents by tomorrow.
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