Possibility and Likelihood
Watch four videos showing possibility and likelihood in conversation.
Conversation 1
Man: So, have you heard any news about the Tokyo Olympics?
Woman: Yes, now it seems highly likely that it will take place.
Man: Will tourist be allowed in the country?
Woman: That is unlikely, but some people might get access.
Man: Where will the athletes stay?
Woman: Well, there is a slight possibility there will be an Olympic village.
Man: What is the likelihood of that?
Woman: It's highly unlikely, but the organizers are leaving the possibility open.
Man: How likely is it that local residents can attend the games?
Woman: There is a strong possibility that can happen, but protocols must be met.
Man: Well, it's a given that the games will be on TV. So at least we have that.
Woman: Yes, fingers crossed it all goes well.
Conversation 2
Man: So, did you hear the news?
Woman: No, what did you hear?
Man: The company is going to merge with our biggest competitor.
Woman: What does that mean for the company? How will that affect us?
Man: Well, it is unlikely anyone will lose their job, but it is very likely we will move offices.
Woman: Oh, no. I quite like it here.
Man: Well, I hear there is a slight possibility that some people will be able to work from home.
Woman: How likely is that? I would love to work from home.
Man: Well, it's fairly likely but don't quote me on it.
Woman: What is the likelihood that we change the company name?
Man: It is a slight possibility but I don't see that happening, yet.
Woman: I would be foolish to do that. We have a well-known brand name and a catchy logo.
Man: I agree. Anyway, it is highly unlikely there will be any changes anytime soon.
Woman: Change is good I guess. That's what they say.
Man: Yes, only time will tell.
Conversation 3
Woman: So professor, when do you think we will have face-to-face classes again?
Man: I'm not sure, but it seems very likely things will be back to normal in the fall semester.
Woman: What about next semester?
Man: Well, anything is possible, but it seems unlikely to go back to being back to face-to-face.
Woman: And what about the campus. What is the likelihood that the campus is open once again?
Man: Again, I don't know for sure, but I think there is a strong possibility that it will be open.
Woman: And what about you? Professor, will you be teaching on campus or at home?
Man: Again, I just don't know. Everything is still up in the air.
Woman: OK, professor. Thanks for answering my questions.
Conversation 4
Man: So, who is going to be at the party tonight?
Woman: Well, it's likely that most people will be there.
Man: Are we expecting any no-shows?
Woman: Well, it's unlikely that Susan and her family will be there.
Man: What about Tom and his family? Can they make it?
Woman: Well, they have a new baby, but they said there is a slight chance they will come. It all depends on the baby.
Man: In other words, it is highly unlikely.
Woman: Yes, that's probably true.
Vocabulary - Key Words and Phrases
Conversation 1
Highly likely - very probable or expected to happen.
Unlikely - not expected to occur.
Olympic village - Apartments that hosts athletes during the Olympic Games.
Protocols must be met - specific procedures or rules need to be followed.
It's a given - something that is assumed to be true or certain.
Fingers crossed - an expression used to express hope for a good outcome.
Conversation 2
Merge with - to combine two companies
Very likely - high;y probable.
Slight possibility - a small chance that something might happen.
Fairly likely - reasonably probable.
Don't quote me on it - A phrase expressing a statement might not be accurate.
Only time will tell - A phrase expressing an outcome will only become clear in the future.
Conversation 3
Face-to-face classes - in-person instruction, as opposed to online.
Back to normal - returning to the usual state of things after a disruption.
Anything is possible - acknowledging that various outcomes could occur.
Up in the air - uncertain or undecided.
Conversation 4
No-shows - people who are expected but do not attend.
Slight chance - a small probability.
In other words - used to simplify an explanation.
Expressing Likelihood and Possibility
- We probably will not finish on time.
It is unlikely that we will finish on time. - We will probably reach our goal.
It's highly likely that we will reach out goal.
- The company will probably go bankrupt.
It is highly likely the company will go bankrupt. - Most students should pass the class.
It is very likely that most students will pass the class.
- The event is in winter, so it probably not be warm outside.
The event is in winter, so it is unlikely it will be warm outside. - By the end of the money, most of my money will probably be spent.
By the end of the month, it is unlikely that I will have any money left.
- It is highly unlikely that we finish by tomorrow. (low chance)
- It is highly likely that the two companies merge. (strong chance)
- It is fairly likely that the event will be canceled. (might happen)
- It is fairly unlikely that that will happen. (probably not)
- There is a good chance it will rain.
- There is a strong possibility that we can work from home.
- There is a slight possibility that I get transferred
- There is no doubt that people want to travel again.
Gap Fill: Complete the conversation with the correct word!
