Likely / unlikely / bound / definitely / probably. Likely/unlikely are followed by to-infinitive or a that-clause with it.
How it works
Likely/unlikely are followed by to-infinitive or a that-clause with it. Bound to expresses strong expectation. Definitely and probably modify the clause: will probably, definitely won't. They indicate different levels of confidence, not proof.
Examples in context
Notice how each form fits its sentence. Read the context before choosing a form.
She is likely to win.
It is unlikely that they will agree.
The train is bound to be crowded.
They will probably arrive late. (fairly strong expectation)
He definitely won't come.
Your progress
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Mark this lesson as studied when you have finished the explanation.
Completed sentence: She is likely to win. Likely/unlikely are followed by to-infinitive or a that-clause with it. Bound to expresses strong expectation. Definitely and probably modify the clause: will probably, definitely won't. They indicate different levels of confidence, not proof.
It is unlikely ___ they will agree.
Your answer: Unanswered
Correct answer: that
Completed sentence: It is unlikely that they will agree. Likely/unlikely are followed by to-infinitive or a that-clause with it. Bound to expresses strong expectation. Definitely and probably modify the clause: will probably, definitely won't. They indicate different levels of confidence, not proof.
The train is bound ___ be crowded.
Your answer: Unanswered
Correct answer: to
Completed sentence: The train is bound to be crowded. Likely/unlikely are followed by to-infinitive or a that-clause with it. Bound to expresses strong expectation. Definitely and probably modify the clause: will probably, definitely won't. They indicate different levels of confidence, not proof.
They will ___ arrive late. (fairly strong expectation)
Your answer: Unanswered
Correct answer: probably
Completed sentence: They will probably arrive late. (fairly strong expectation) Likely/unlikely are followed by to-infinitive or a that-clause with it. Bound to expresses strong expectation. Definitely and probably modify the clause: will probably, definitely won't. They indicate different levels of confidence, not proof.
Choose the correct form.
Your answer: Unanswered
Correct answer: He definitely won't come.
Correct choice: He definitely won't come. Likely/unlikely are followed by to-infinitive or a that-clause with it. Bound to expresses strong expectation. Definitely and probably modify the clause: will probably, definitely won't. They indicate different levels of confidence, not proof.
Question 1 of 50% complete
She is likely ___ win.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: to
Completed sentence: She is likely to win. Likely/unlikely are followed by to-infinitive or a that-clause with it. Bound to expresses strong expectation. Definitely and probably modify the clause: will probably, definitely won't. They indicate different levels of confidence, not proof.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: that
Completed sentence: It is unlikely that they will agree. Likely/unlikely are followed by to-infinitive or a that-clause with it. Bound to expresses strong expectation. Definitely and probably modify the clause: will probably, definitely won't. They indicate different levels of confidence, not proof.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: to
Completed sentence: The train is bound to be crowded. Likely/unlikely are followed by to-infinitive or a that-clause with it. Bound to expresses strong expectation. Definitely and probably modify the clause: will probably, definitely won't. They indicate different levels of confidence, not proof.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: probably
Completed sentence: They will probably arrive late. (fairly strong expectation) Likely/unlikely are followed by to-infinitive or a that-clause with it. Bound to expresses strong expectation. Definitely and probably modify the clause: will probably, definitely won't. They indicate different levels of confidence, not proof.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: He definitely won't come.
Correct choice: He definitely won't come. Likely/unlikely are followed by to-infinitive or a that-clause with it. Bound to expresses strong expectation. Definitely and probably modify the clause: will probably, definitely won't. They indicate different levels of confidence, not proof.
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