Learning to express uncertainty is an essential skill in mastering a foreign language. In English, there are various expressions and linguistic structures specifically designed to communicate doubt, uncertainty, or probability.
In this lesson, we will explore some of these expressions to help you enrich your vocabulary and articulate yourself precisely in English when you are unsure about something.
Adverbs/adverbial phrases of uncertainty
Adverbs of uncertainty are commonly used to express doubt or probability in a given situation. Here are some of the most common adverbs in English:
Perhaps
Perhaps I will attend the party tonight.
Probably
It will probably rain tomorrow.
Maybe
Maybe she forgot her wallet at home.
Possibly
He will possibly arrive later in the day.
Expressions of doubt
There are also idiomatic expressions in English to convey doubt or uncertainty. Here are some examples:
I’m not sure.
I’m not sure I understand this grammar rule.
I don’t know for sure.
I don’t know for sure how to solve this exercise.
I wonder if
I wonder if she will come to the meeting.
It’s possible that
It’s possible that there might be delays on the subway line.
Conditional instructions
Conditional constructions are also used to express uncertainty in English. They allow you to formulate hypotheses or possibilities. Here are some examples:
If I have time, I will come to see you.
If the weather is nice, we will go for a walk.
If you had studied more, you would have passed the exam.
Modal verbs
Modal verbs such as “can,” “should,” and “would” are often used to express uncertainty in English. They indicate possibility, obligation, or desire.
Here are some examples:
I can pick you up if you want.
He should be somewhere around here.
I would like to help, but I can’t.
Expressing uncertainty in English is an important skill to effectively communicate in situations where information or certainty is lacking. By using adverbs of uncertainty, expressions of doubt, conditional constructions, and modal verbs, you will be able to convey your doubts, assumptions, and probabilities accurately. Keep practicing these linguistic structures, and your confidence in English will grow over time. Good luck in your English learning journey!
