Modal Verbs for Prediction

To make predictions about the future we can use the verbs: will, won’t, may, might and could.

We use will when we are certain something will happen.

For example: He’ll be late. He always is.

We use won’t when we are certain something will not happen.

For example: He won’t be on time. He never is.

When we are not sure if something will happen and is only a possibility, we use the verbs: may (not), might (not) or could.

For example: He may/might/could be late.

Will and Going to for Prediction

We use will to make predictions based on intuition or experience.

For example: He’ll be late. He always is.

We use going to make predictions based on physical evidence.

For example: Look at those dark clouds. It’s going to rain.

Click on the links below to learn more about modal verbs