1. Overview:
Adverbs of probability describe how likely something is to happen. They help us express certainty, possibility, or doubt about a situation or event.
2. Cases of Usage:
Certainly: To express certainty about something.
Example: She will certainly pass the exam; she studied hard.
Possibly: To indicate a possibility without being sure.
Example: It might possibly rain tomorrow, so take an umbrella.
Perhaps: To suggest a degree of uncertainty or conjecture.
Example: Perhaps they will come to the party later.
Unlikely: To express doubt or a low likelihood.
Example: It's unlikely that he will arrive on time due to traffic.
Supposedly: To provide information that is believed to be true but not confirmed.
Example: Supposedly, the meeting has been canceled.
Apparently: To indicate something appears to be true based on available evidence.
Example: Apparently, she has already finished her project.
3. Exceptions or Things to Pay Attention To:
These adverbs can sometimes be confused with each other. For example, "certainly" implies strong belief, while "possibly" suggests doubt. Also, "supposedly" often carries a skeptical tone, implying that what is said might not be true.
4. Additional Notes:
Common mistakes include using these adverbs in the wrong context. For instance, saying "He is certainly going to fail" when you mean "He might possibly fail" changes the meaning significantly. Be careful to choose the adverb that matches the level of certainty you intend to convey.
