Lesson 55: Problem points
This lesson looks at the use of "likely" and "unlikely" – two of the most common problem points for Bulgarian learners of English at B1 level.
About this lesson
In this lesson you will focus on one of the classic "problem points" in English grammar – the adjectives "likely" and "unlikely". You will learn how to express the degree of probability of an event in the correct way. You will practise key structures such as "It is likely that...", "She is unlikely to..." and "He is more likely to..." through a variety of exercises. The aim is to avoid the typical mistakes associated with these words and to use them confidently in speech and writing.
40 minutes
What you'll learn
- Understand the meaning and use of 'likely' and 'unlikely' at B1 level.
- Use the structures 'It is likely/unlikely that + clause' and 'Subject + is likely/unlikely + to-infinitive'.
- Express probability and improbability in different contexts.
- Distinguish 'likely' from similar expressions such as 'probably' and 'definitely'.
- Apply 'more/less likely' when comparing probabilities.
- Avoid the common mistakes made when using these adjectives.
Lesson vocabulary
- likely It is likely that it will rain tomorrow.
- unlikely It is unlikely that she will be late.
- probable A rise in prices is probable next year.
- definitely He will definitely pass the exam.
- probably She will probably call you later.
- possibility There is a possibility of snow this weekend.
- chance There is a good chance he will get the job.
- certain It is certain that the meeting will take place.
- doubt I doubt that they will arrive on time.
- outcome The most likely outcome is a draw.
- predict It is hard to predict which team is more likely to win.
- candidate She is the most likely candidate for the promotion.
- succeed He is unlikely to succeed without more practice.
- attempt They are likely to attempt the task again.
- risk There is an unlikely risk of the plan failing.
In other languages: Български