![[D] Chances are... (Expressing likelihood or possibilities)](https://images.ctfassets.net/r30ratzbtbbf/6hhXqXNWhAZwXPgZc0XSij/f80f2868a3f6d2676ce9956f3d033bcf/Chances_are...__Expressing_likelihood_or_possibilities_.png)
LET'S UNDERSTAND! 📚
Pattern 1
The chances are... - to talk about the likelihood or probability of something happening
Examples:
The chances are good that we will have a sunny day tomorrow.
The chances are low that she will arrive on time.
Pattern 2
plenty of room... - used when saying there are more possibilities or chances for a thing to happen
Examples:
You have plenty of room to improve your speaking skills.
The company offers plenty of room for advancement.
Pattern 3
You might... - to suggest a possibility that something could happen
Examples:
You might like this movie.
You might want to bring an umbrella tomorrow.
Pattern 4
It's unlikely... - to say that something probably will not happen
Examples:
It's unlikely that it will snow today.
It's unlikely that she will be late to the meeting.
Pattern 5
The odds are... - often used in a more informal way to talk about the likelihood or chance of something happening
Examples:
If we keep practicing, the odds are we'll improve our skills.
The odds are high that she will pass the test.
LET'S READ! 📖
Expressing Possibilities and Likelihood
Direction: Read the conversation below. Then, exchange roles with your mentor.
Situation:
Lily and Jake are talking about getting concert tickets and deciding to hurry.
Lily
Jake
Hmm, the odds are good, but it’s unlikely that there will be any left if we wait too long.
Lily
Oh no, we should hurry then! Do you think we might still find some tickets online?
Jake
You might, but the prices could be higher. There’s plenty of room for a price increase when it's last-minute.
Lily
I guess we should act fast if we really want to go!
Jake
Yes, definitely! If we hurry, we might just get a good deal.
QUESTIONS
1. Do Lily and Jake think they will get tickets to the concert?
2. What might happen if they wait too long to buy tickets?
3. What should Lily and Jake do if they want to get tickets?
LET'S PRACTICE! 📝
Part I
Direction: A short story is provided below. Please fill in the blanks with the most appropriate pattern from the box.
| the chances are | plenty of room |
| you might | it's unlikely |
| the odds are |
A Short Story About Possibility
Tom was thinking about going hiking in the mountains. His friend Mike told him, (1)" good that the weather will be perfect this weekend." Tom wasn’t sure. (2) " be right, but (3) that I’ll have enough time to prepare," he said. Mike smiled, "There’s (4) for you on the trip, and we can help you get ready!" Tom hesitated, but then Mike added, (5) " you’ll have an amazing time if you go." Tom decided to join, and the trip turned out to be one of the best experiences of his life.
PART II. SPEAKING PRACTICE
Direction: Share an experience you have had where something possible could have happened, but didn't. Use any of the patterns that fit your sentence.
Sample Answer:
I was planning to go to the beach last weekend, and the chances are it would have been a perfect day. However, it started raining, so I didn’t go. It’s unlikely that I’ll go this weekend because I have other plans.
Hey, Jake, do you think we’ll get tickets to the concert tomorrow?