How to say it · Plans, time and sorry

Saying how likely something is

Someone asks "Are you coming?" or "Will it rain?" Your answer tells them how much to count on it, so the word you choose really matters.

5 ways to say it

In a park under grey clouds, Jo looks up at the sky beside a pie chart that is three-quarters full while Leo waits with his kite.

How likelyUnlikelyLikely

Probablybest default Definitelya promise It could go either wayfifty-fifty I doubt itnot likely No chancenot happening

Way 1 · best default

Probably

More likely than not, but you're not promising. The most useful word on this page.

How likelyLikely

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

I'll probably come, but I'll text you if I'm too tired.

It'll probably rain later, so take a jacket.

In a conversation

A: Are you coming on Saturday?
B: Probably. I just need to check what time I finish work.

Common mistake

Not: ~~Surely~~ I'll come.

Say: I'll probably come.

In Vietnamese one word can mean "sure" and "probably". In English, "surely" never means "probably".

Practice saying this

Next: Definitely

Way 2 · a promise

Definitely

100% sure. People will plan around it, so only say it when you mean it.

How likelyVery likely

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

I'll definitely be there. I wouldn't miss it.

We're definitely going to Da Nang in May. The flights are booked.

In a conversation

A: Will you be at my wedding?
B: Definitely! I've already bought a suit.

Practice saying this

Next: It could go either way

Way 3 · fifty-fifty

It could go either way

It's really fifty-fifty. Good when nobody can know the result yet.

How likelyMiddle

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

The client might sign or they might not. It could go either way.

Honestly, the match could go either way. Both teams are good.

Practice saying this

Next: I doubt it

Way 4 · not likely

I doubt it

You think it probably won't happen, but you leave a little room.

How likelyUnlikely

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

Will the train come soon? I doubt it. There's still no time on the board.

He said he'd call back, but I doubt it.

Common mistake

Not: ~~I'm~~ doubt it.

Say: I doubt it.

"Doubt" is a verb, so there's no "am": "I doubt it", "I doubt he'll come".

Practice saying this

Next: No chance

Way 5 · not happening

No chance

Zero. It won't happen. Short and blunt, so keep it for friends and family.

How likelyVery unlikely

ToneCasual

Use itWith friends

Examples

Finish all that by Friday? No chance.

There's no chance I'm getting up at five on a Sunday.

In a conversation

A: Can my cousin borrow your new car?
B: No chance. He crashed his own twice last year.

Practice saying this

Test yourself: which would you say?

Pick the right one

Which would you say?

Read the moment, then choose the way that fits it best.

Now say it out loud

Pick one and practise it in a real conversation. Save the ones you want to remember.

Probably Definitely It could go either way I doubt it

Which would you say?

Now say it out loud

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