Intermediate120 min
Future probability

Future probability
Form | Usage | Example |
---|---|---|
will/won't + infinitive | Prediction based on opinion | Italy will win tomorrow. |
will/won't + adverb + infinitive | Certainty/uncertainty of prediction | I’ll definitely be there. / We probably won’t come. |
be going to + infinitive | Prediction with evidence | It’s going to rain! |
be certain to + infinitive | Sure to happen | Prices are certain to rise. |
be likely/unlikely to + infinitive | (Un)Likely to happen | Team is likely to win. / We are unlikely to go. |
might/may/could + infinitive | Possible, not certain | We might go next year. |
be due to + infinitive | Scheduled event | Train is due to depart at 6 p.m. |
- We use will/won’t + infinitive (without to) to make predictions about the future, based on our opinions.
- Example: I’m pretty sure Italy will win tomorrow.
- Example: VR won’t replace real holidays anytime soon.
- You can use adverbs like definitely/certainly/possibly/probably with will/won’t, to say how certain we feel about a prediction.
- Example: I’ll definitely be there tomorrow.
- Example: We probably won’t come to the party.
- Notice the adverb placement: after will (We will probably come…) but before won’t (We probably won’t come…). Incorrect:
We won’t probably come... - We also use will/won’t for things that are sure to happen.
- Example: I’ll be twenty-two next year.
- Use be going to for predictions when there is evidence in the present.
- Example: It’s going to rain! Look at those black clouds!
- Use be certain to when we are sure that something will happen. Example: Prices are certain to rise.
- Use be likely to when something will probably happen. Use unlikely to or not likely to for things that probably won’t happen.
- Example: My team is likely to reach the next round.
- Example: We are unlikely to go on holiday this year.
- Example: She isn’t likely to win that competition.
- Use might, may, could + infinitive (without to) for possibilities (not certain).
- Negative forms: might not, may not can talk about the future, but could not is not used the same way.
- Example: We might go to Japan next year.
- Example: They could make a lot of money with that.
- Example: She may not be able to see us today.
- Use be due to when something is scheduled to happen.
- Example: He is due to retire next year.
- Example: The train is due to depart at 6 p.m.
Is Virtual Reality the Future?
- Do you think virtual reality will become a common part of daily life in the next 10 years? Why or why not?
- How might virtual reality change the way we work or study in the future? Give reasons.
- In what ways could virtual reality improve or harm social relationships? Explain your ideas.
- Do you believe that virtual holidays could replace real travel experiences? Why or why not?
- What other future technologies do you think will have a big impact on our lives, and how do you feel about them?
- Would you be interested in using virtual reality for learning new skills? Why or why not?
- Which is more likely: VR will make us more connected, or more isolated? Support your opinion.
- What are some possible negative consequences of the expansion of VR in everyday life?
- How can governments, companies, or schools make sure VR is accessible to everyone?
- Do you think there are ethical concerns with using VR for activities such as socializing, learning, or even therapy? Discuss.
Virtual reality, commonly known as VR, is a rapidly developing technology that creates immersive, computer-generated environments. These environments can simulate the real world or create entirely new and imaginative settings, allowing users to experience situations that may otherwise be difficult, dangerous, or impossible. With the advancement of technology and the increasing affordability of VR devices, many people are wondering: Is virtual reality the future?
VR started as a niche technology, primarily used in the gaming industry to provide players with a more engaging experience. Over time, its applications have expanded far beyond entertainment. Today, virtual reality is being used in education, healthcare, training, design, tourism, and even social connections. For example, surgeons use VR to practice complicated procedures, students learn through interactive lessons, and travelers explore virtual versions of cities and landmarks before visiting them in person.
One significant advantage of VR is the ability to create realistic training environments without real-world consequences. Pilots, firefighters, and law enforcement officers can all practice in simulated situations, making mistakes and learning from them without any risk. This not only enhances safety but also allows for repeated practice in various scenarios, which leads to improved skills and confidence.
In the world of education, VR can make learning more exciting and effective. Imagine studying ancient Rome by walking through a digital recreation of its streets or exploring the structure of a cell by shrinking down to a microscopic level. Such experiences are engaging and memorable, helping students understand and retain information more effectively.
Moreover, VR has shown promising benefits in healthcare. Therapists use it to help patients with phobias confront and overcome their fears in a safe, controlled environment. Patients undergoing physical rehabilitation can use virtual worlds to motivate and guide their exercises. People with mobility issues can travel to places or attend events through VR, reducing feelings of isolation.
However, while the potential of VR is enormous, several challenges remain. High-quality VR devices can be expensive, and prolonged use can lead to discomfort, such as headaches or motion sickness. Additionally, social isolation is a real concern if people begin to favor virtual interactions over real-life experiences. There are also ethical questions about data privacy and the potential for addiction.
Despite these challenges, the future for VR looks bright. Technology companies are continuing to develop cheaper and more comfortable headsets. Software is becoming more sophisticated, offering more realistic graphics and richer experiences. As internet connectivity improves and 5G networks expand, VR could become more accessible and widespread.
Many experts believe that VR will play a significant role in our lives, particularly in education, work, healthcare, and entertainment. While it may not replace all real-life experiences, it is certain to become a valuable tool for learning, training, and connecting with others. In conclusion, virtual reality is likely to shape the future in profound ways, making our world more interactive and connected than ever before.
VR started as a niche technology, primarily used in the gaming industry to provide players with a more engaging experience. Over time, its applications have expanded far beyond entertainment. Today, virtual reality is being used in education, healthcare, training, design, tourism, and even social connections. For example, surgeons use VR to practice complicated procedures, students learn through interactive lessons, and travelers explore virtual versions of cities and landmarks before visiting them in person.
One significant advantage of VR is the ability to create realistic training environments without real-world consequences. Pilots, firefighters, and law enforcement officers can all practice in simulated situations, making mistakes and learning from them without any risk. This not only enhances safety but also allows for repeated practice in various scenarios, which leads to improved skills and confidence.
In the world of education, VR can make learning more exciting and effective. Imagine studying ancient Rome by walking through a digital recreation of its streets or exploring the structure of a cell by shrinking down to a microscopic level. Such experiences are engaging and memorable, helping students understand and retain information more effectively.
Moreover, VR has shown promising benefits in healthcare. Therapists use it to help patients with phobias confront and overcome their fears in a safe, controlled environment. Patients undergoing physical rehabilitation can use virtual worlds to motivate and guide their exercises. People with mobility issues can travel to places or attend events through VR, reducing feelings of isolation.
However, while the potential of VR is enormous, several challenges remain. High-quality VR devices can be expensive, and prolonged use can lead to discomfort, such as headaches or motion sickness. Additionally, social isolation is a real concern if people begin to favor virtual interactions over real-life experiences. There are also ethical questions about data privacy and the potential for addiction.
Despite these challenges, the future for VR looks bright. Technology companies are continuing to develop cheaper and more comfortable headsets. Software is becoming more sophisticated, offering more realistic graphics and richer experiences. As internet connectivity improves and 5G networks expand, VR could become more accessible and widespread.
Many experts believe that VR will play a significant role in our lives, particularly in education, work, healthcare, and entertainment. While it may not replace all real-life experiences, it is certain to become a valuable tool for learning, training, and connecting with others. In conclusion, virtual reality is likely to shape the future in profound ways, making our world more interactive and connected than ever before.
- immersive - completely involving/surrounding
- simulate - to copy or imitate real conditions
- applications - practical uses of something
- scenarios - possible situations or events
- consequences - results or effects of actions
- enhance - to improve or make better
- retain - to keep or remember information
- rehabilitation - recovery/restoration to health
- isolation - being alone or separated
- sophisticated - advanced and complex
- expanding - growing larger or spreading
- engaging - interesting and holding attention
- complicated - difficult and complex
- realistic - seeming real or lifelike
- memorable - easy to remember
- confront - to face something difficult
- prolonged - lasting for a long time
- discomfort - slight pain or uneasiness
- potential - possibility for future development
- accessible - easy to reach or obtain
- niche - specialized or targeting a small group
- primarily - mainly or mostly
- procedures - established ways of doing things
- interactive - allowing two-way communication
- microscopic - extremely small
- phobias - extreme fears
- controlled - carefully managed
- mobility - ability to move
- ethical - relating to moral principles
- profound - very deep or significant
Word family
A word family is a group of related words that have the same root but different forms (such as noun, verb, adjective, or adverb).
Noun | Verb | Adjective | Adverb |
---|---|---|---|
involvement | involve | involved | — |
immersion | immerse | immersive | — |
simulation | simulate | simulated / simulative | — |
engagement | engage | engaged / engaging | engagingly |
expansion | expand | expanding / expansive | expansively |
interaction | interact | interactive | interactively |
memory / memorization | memorize | memorable | memorably |
isolation | isolate | isolated | — |
advancement | advance | advanced | — |
access | access | accessible | accessibly |
ethics | — | ethical | ethically |
motivation | motivate | motivated / motivating | motivationally |
rehabilitation | rehabilitate | rehabilitative | — |
complication | complicate | complicated | — |
realization | realize | realistic / realized | realistically |
Connected Speech and Future Probability
Connected speech refers to the way native speakers link words together in fluent spoken English. This can make phrases about future probability sound different from their written form. Understanding connected speech will help you catch real conversations and sound more natural when speaking about future events using will, won’t, might, may, could, and adverbs like probably, definitely, or certainly.
- In connected speech, words are often linked or blended, and some sounds get reduced or dropped entirely.
- For example: 'will' + 'not' is usually pronounced as 'won’t'.
- Adverbs such as 'probably', 'definitely', or 'certainly' often get weaker or contracted in fast speech.
- Phrases like 'will probably' may sound like /wɪlˈprɒbəbli/ or even faster as /wɪlˈprɒbli/.
- 'I will' is often said as 'I’ll' /aɪl/. 'We will' becomes 'we’ll' /wɪl/ or /wiːl/.
- 'Might not' and 'may not' can blend, sounding like /maɪnɒt/ and /meɪnɒt/.
- 'Going to' is usually pronounced as 'gonna' /ˈɡənə/ in spoken English.
- Connected speech helps you understand when English speakers talk about what is or isn’t likely to happen in the future.
- Being aware of connected speech will make your listening easier and your pronunciation more natural.
Quiz
Question 1 of 5
Which phrase is most likely to express a strong prediction?
will definitely
might
could
may
Quiz
Question 1 of 5
How is 'going to' often pronounced in connected speech?
gonna
goanna
goneto
gon na
Quiz
Question 1 of 5
Which connected speech form is used for 'going to'?
gonna
gooingto
goneto
gon to
Quiz
Question 1 of 5
Which is the contracted form of 'we will'?
we’ll
we will
we’re
weall