Showing Probability
Common Phrases to Show Probability
There are many ways to show how certain you are about an opinion. These are some of the most common:
100% (Certain)
I'm sure that...
There's no doubt that...
Example:
I'm sure that you will find the terms are negotiable.
I'm sure that the Uniform Commercial Code states that a wallet left on a bank counter is not lost; it's legally only mislaid.
75% (Probable)
This is likely to...
I expect that...
I wouldn't be surprised if...
Example:
I expect that most credit card issuers will be amending their card holder agreements.
I expect that the overdraft protection offered by my bank has reasonable fees.
50% (Possible)
There's a chance that...
It's possible that...
Maybe...
Example:
There's a chance the bank lending rates could increase.
I think bank lending rates will go down enough so that I can purchase that house
25% (Unlikely)
This probably isn't ...
I don't think that...
We are unlikely to...
I doubt that...
Example:
I doubt that his efforts will change the personnel costs.
I doubt that personnel costs will increase with our new organizational changes.