Modals - Degrees of Likelihood CPE

Which does the sentence express? The chances are it will rain tonight.

• Complete certainty (+/-)

• Strong probability

• Weak probability

He can't have gone home already because the trains are delayed.

• Complete certainty

• Strong possibility

• Weak possibility

You definitely won't have any problems with your application. It looks very professional and thorough.

• Certainty

• Strong possibility

• Weak possibility

Caroline is bound to pass her violin exam.

• Complete certainty

• Strong possibility

• Weak possibility

The package ought to arrive any day now.

• Complete certainty

• Strong possibility

• Weak possibility

She has a very slim chance of becoming the next CEO.

• Complete certainty

• Strong possibility

• Weak possibility

There's every likelihood of rain this afternoon. That'll put the kibosh on my plans to tackle the laundry.

• Certainty

• Strong possibility

• Weak possibility

There's a faint chance I'll get a car for Christmas!

• Certainty

• Strong possibility

• Weak possibility

In all probability, Alan will get into Oxford to study music.

CHANCES

The _____________ accepted to study music at Oxford.

Prof Potts is unlikely to retire before she has to.

DOUBTFUL

It ____________________ early retirement.