Predicting the Future 預測未來
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.
我們可以用情態動詞來表示我們對未來某事有多確定。還有其他短語我們以用來表達我們對未來的事情又多肯定或者不肯定。
Modal verbs 情態動詞
We can combine modal verbs with adverbs to show a greater or lesser degree of certainty.
我們可以用“情態動詞+副詞”的結構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.
這兩個句子都表示說話人很確定。
• 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.
說話人覺得自己是正確的，但是不是百分百確定。
• 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.
說話人完全不確定，你可以用could或者might來代替。
Other expressions 其他表達方式
Here are some other ways to talk about how certain we are about something in the future.
這裏有一些其他表達方式來談論對未來的事物的確定性。
1 I’m sure
1 我很確定
• 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 我覺得如此但是不是百分百確定
• 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 我不這麼認爲
• 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.
