English grammar
The probability scale: be bound to, be likely to, chances are, may well, could
Say how likely something is: be bound to, be likely to, chances are, may well, could.
From the scene It may well be in Panama
In short
Guess from most to least sure: be bound to, be likely to or chances are, may well, could.
Your turn
Which one goes with probable?
Options: chances are it didn't make the connection · it's likely to arrive in two days · they're bound to bring it to the house
Show answer
probable → it's likely to arrive in two days
How it works
You know must / can't for guesses, and probably.
Your turn
Pick the word that fits the line.
They're bound (blank) bring it straight to the house.
Options: for · that · to
Show answer
They're bound to bring it straight to the house.
Seguro que la traen directamente a la casa.
Good to know
Here are more steps, from most to least sure: be bound to (= it certainly will), be likely to / chances are (= probably), may well (= quite possibly, stronger than may), could / may / might (= possibly).
Your turn
Pick the word that fits the line.
(blank) are I'll wear it. She's my future mother-in-law.
Options: Chances · Chance · Likely
Show answer
Chances are I'll wear it. She's my future mother-in-law.
Es probable que me lo ponga. Es mi futura suegra.
Good to know
Be bound to and be likely to take the infinitive: it's bound to turn up; chances are is followed by a whole clause.
almost certain they're bound to bring it to the house
probable it's likely to arrive in two days
Your turn
What goes with it's likely to arrive in two days?
Options: probable · almost certain · probable (+ clause)
Show answer
it's likely to arrive in two days → probable
probable (+ clause) chances are it didn't make the connection
quite possible it may well be in Panama
Nuria
Where can my suitcase be? It may well be in Panama.
¿Dónde estará mi maleta? Puede que esté en Panamá.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Where can my suitcase be? (blank).
Options: They're bound to bring it to the house · It's likely to arrive in two days · It may well be in Panama
Show answer
Nuria
Where can my suitcase be? It may well be in Panama.
¿Dónde estará mi maleta? Puede que esté en Panamá.
just possible it could still be in Madrid
Elena
Or it could still be in Madrid, on the carousel.
O igual está todavía en Madrid, en la cinta.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Or (blank), on the carousel.
Options: it could still be in Madrid · they're bound to bring it to the house · it's likely to arrive in two days
Show answer
Elena
Or it could still be in Madrid, on the carousel.
O igual está todavía en Madrid, en la cinta.
Practise it in the story
Meet this rule inside a short animated scene. Answer as it plays, then say the lines yourself.
Practise free in the appSee all forms
| almost certain | they're bound to bring it to the house |
|---|---|
| probable | it's likely to arrive in two days |
| probable (+ clause) | chances are it didn't make the connection |
| quite possible | it may well be in Panama |
| just possible | it could still be in Madrid |
More lines from the story
- JaviThey're bound to bring it straight to the house.Seguro que la traen directamente a la casa.
- NuriaChances are I'll wear it. She's my future mother-in-law.Es probable que me lo ponga. Es mi futura suegra.
- Javi"Could"? Come on. Things work here. It's bound to turn up.¿«Igual»? Venga ya. Aquí las cosas funcionan. Seguro que aparece.
- NuriaBut tonight there's dinner with your family. And what do I wear?Pero esta noche hay cena con tu familia. ¿Y qué me pongo?