We can say how sure we feel about the future by using modal verbs. There are also other phrases we can use to express our certainty or uncertainty about future events.

我们可以用情态动词来表示我们对未来某事有多确定。还有其他短语我们以用来表达我们对未来的事情又多肯定或者不肯定。

Modal verbs

情态动词

We can combine modal verbs with adverbs to show a greater or lesser degree of certainty.

我们可以用“情态动词+副词”的结构去表示更高或者更低程度的肯定。

• People will definitely work longer hours in the future.
• People definitely won’t work longer hours in the future.

Both of these sentences show that the speaker is sure.

这两个句子都表示说话人很确定。

• You’ll probably enjoy this film.
• You probably won’t enjoy this film.

The speaker is thinks (s)he’s right but isn’t 100% sure.

说话人觉得自己是正确的，但是不是百分百确定。

• She might pass the exam or she might not pass. I don’t know.

The speaker isn’t sure at all. You could also use could or may instead of might.

说话人完全不确定，你可以用could或者might来代替。

Other expressions

其他表达方式

Here are some other ways to talk about how certain we are about something in the future.

这里有一些其他表达方式来谈论对未来的事物的确定性。

1 I’m sure

1 我很确定

• Jan is bound to pass the exam. He’s worked really hard.
• Jan is certain to pass.

2 I think so but I’m not 100% sure

2 我觉得如此但是不是百分百确定

• Katka is likely to pass the exam.
• Katka may well pass the exam.
• There’s a good chance that Katka will pass the exam.

3 I don’t think so

3 我不这么认为

• Juraj is unlikely to pass the exam.
• There’s not much chance Juraj will pass.
• I doubt if Juraj will pass.
• There’s no chance of Juraj passing the exam.