B1 · Intermedio Capítulo 17

Expressing Degrees of Certainty

3 Reglas totales
36 ejemplos
5 min
Reglas en este capítulo Práctica rápida

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Move beyond simple 'will' to express advice, permission, and varying levels of possibility.

  • Replace 'will' with modals like 'should' to give conditional advice.
  • Use 'might' and 'may' to express uncertain future outcomes.
  • Apply 'can' to describe potential abilities or granted permissions.
Master the spectrum of certainty in your future plans.

Lo que aprenderás

Want to share how likely something is, or offer advice for the future? Dive into this chapter and discover how to use the First Conditional with words like 'maybe' and 'should' to express different certainties. You'll be predicting and advising with confidence!

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to provide conditional advice using 'should' in the main clause.
  2. 2
    By the end you will be able to distinguish between certain and uncertain outcomes using 'might' and 'may'.
  3. 3
    By the end you will be able to offer permission or describe future abilities based on specific conditions.

Guía del capítulo

Overview

Mastering how to talk about possibilities and give advice is a crucial step in sounding more natural and confident in English. At the B1 English grammar level, you're ready to move beyond simple predictions and start sharing how likely something truly is, or offering nuanced suggestions for the future. This chapter focuses on expressing degrees of certainty using the versatile First Conditional.
Instead of always saying will, we'll explore how words like 'can', 'might', and 'should' allow you to convey everything from a strong recommendation to a tentative guess. You’ll learn how to predict outcomes with different levels of confidence and give advice effectively, preparing you for a wider range of real-world conversations and making your English sound much more sophisticated and precise. Get ready to predict and advise like a pro!

How This Grammar Works

At its heart, the First Conditional structure is
If [condition], then [result].
Typically, we use will in the result clause (e.g.,
If it rains, I will stay home.
). However, to express different degrees of certainty or add more specific meanings like advice or ability, we can swap will for various modal verbs or probability adverbs.
When you want to express a *possible, but uncertain* future result, you can use 'may' or 'might' instead of 'will'. For example:
If I finish work early, I may go to the gym
or
If she calls, I might answer.
Both 'may' and 'might' signal that the outcome isn't guaranteed – it's just a possibility. We can also use adverbs like 'maybe' or 'probably' with 'will' to achieve a similar effect of reduced certainty: "If I have time, I'll maybe visit you or If the weather is good, we'll probably go to the beach." These adverbs often sound a bit more casual.
Using 'can' in the result clause of a First Conditional sentence adds another layer of meaning. It can indicate a future possibility or ability that depends on the condition:
If you study hard, you can pass the exam
(ability). It can also convey permission:
If you finish your homework, you can watch TV
(permission).
So, 'can' is perfect for when the condition enables an action.
Finally, swapping 'will' for 'should' transforms the result into a recommendation or advice.
If you feel unwell, you should see a doctor.
Here, 'should' makes the result clause an advisable action rather than a simple prediction. By mastering these small changes, you can convey a much richer spectrum of meaning in your future predictions and advice.

Common Mistakes

Here are some common pitfalls when expressing degrees of certainty with the First Conditional:
  1. 1✗ If it will rain, I might stay home.
✓ If it rains, I might stay home.
*Explanation:* Remember, the 'if' clause in the First Conditional uses the present simple tense, not future. The modal verb (like 'might') goes in the result clause.
  1. 1✗ If I finish early, I probably will go.
✓ If I finish early, I will probably go. OR If I finish early, I 'll probably go.
*Explanation:* When using adverbs like 'probably' or 'maybe' with 'will', they usually come *between* 'will' and the main verb, or after the contraction 'll.
  1. 1✗ If you study, you can pass better.
✓ If you study, you can pass the exam.
*Explanation:* 'Can' expresses ability or permission; it doesn't modify the *quality* of passing. Ensure 'can' is used correctly for what is possible or allowed.

Real Conversations

A

A

If you don't hear from me by 6 PM, I might be stuck in traffic.
B

B

Okay, I'll call you then. If you can't make it, just send a quick text.
A

A

I'm not sure what to do about my presentation.
B

B

If you practice more, you should feel more confident. If you still struggle, maybe I can help you rehearse.
A

A

Do you think we'll finish this project on time?
B

B

If everyone cooperates, we can definitely get it done. But if we encounter any unexpected problems, we may need an extension.

Quick FAQ

Q

What's the difference between

If it rains, I will stay home
and
If it rains, I might stay home
?

Will implies you are certain about your action if the condition is met. Might suggests there's a possibility you'll stay home, but it's not guaranteed. You're expressing a lower degree of certainty with might.

Q

Can I use maybe or probably with might or may?

While grammatically possible (e.g.,

If it rains, I might maybe stay home
), it's often redundant and sounds less natural. Stick to one way of showing probability for clarity: either will probably or just might/may.

Q

Is can in the First Conditional always about ability?

No, 'can' can also express permission (

If you finish your dinner, you can have dessert
) or future possibility (
If the store is open, you can buy milk there
). The context usually makes the meaning clear.

Cultural Context

Native English speakers often use these variations to soften direct statements or appear less assertive, especially when giving advice or making predictions. For instance,
You should do this
is advice, but
If you have time, you could do this
is a gentler suggestion. In informal speech, you might hear "If I see him, I'll maybe tell him" which is very common.
The choice of modal can subtly reflect politeness, confidence, or hesitancy, making communication more nuanced and natural.

Ejemplos clave (6)

1

If you study hard, you `can` pass the exam easily.

Si estudias mucho, puedes aprobar el examen fácilmente.

Primer Condicional: Usando Modales (can, might, should)
2

If it rains tomorrow, we `might` stay home and watch movies.

Si llueve mañana, podríamos quedarnos en casa y ver películas.

Primer Condicional: Usando Modales (can, might, should)
3

If you don't hydrate enough, you `will probably` feel tired later.

Si no te hidratas lo suficiente, probablemente te sentirás cansado más tarde.

Primer Condicional: Quizás/Probablemente (May/Might)
4

If the concert sells out quickly, we `may` not get tickets.

Si el concierto se agota rápido, puede que no consigamos entradas.

Primer Condicional: Quizás/Probablemente (May/Might)
5

If it rains, we can stay inside and play games.

Si llueve, podemos quedarnos dentro y jugar.

Primer Condicional con 'Can' (Posibilidad y Permiso Futuro)
6

You can borrow my book if you promise to return it.

Puedes tomar prestado mi libro si prometes devolverlo.

Primer Condicional con 'Can' (Posibilidad y Permiso Futuro)

Consejos y trucos (3)

💡

¡Varía tus opciones!

No te quedes solo con 'will' en tus Primeros Condicionales. Usar 'can', 'might' y 'should' añade más detalle y precisión a tus frases. Demuestra que entiendes los matices de probabilidad y consejo.
If you study, you can learn a lot.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Primer Condicional: Usando Modales (can, might, should)
💡

Mide Tu Certeza

Elige entre 'will probably' (más probable) y 'may/might' (menos seguro) según qué tan confiado te sientas con el resultado. ¡Es para expresar tu nivel exacto de confianza!
If you study, you will probably pass.
vs
If you study, you may pass.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Primer Condicional: Quizás/Probablemente (May/Might)
💡

Detecta la Posibilidad Real

Recuerda, el Primer Condicional con 'can' es para cosas realistas o probables que pueden pasar. No lo uses para fantasías. "If it's sunny, we can go to the park."
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Primer Condicional con 'Can' (Posibilidad y Permiso Futuro)

Vocabulario clave (6)

probability the extent to which something is likely to happen outcome the result or consequence of an action permission the act of allowing someone to do something advice guidance or recommendations offered with regard to prudent future action certainty the state of being completely confident or sure of something condition something that must happen or be true before something else can happen

Real-World Preview

map

A Weekend Trip Plan

Review Summary

  • If + Present Simple, [Subject] + should/might/can + Verb

Errores comunes

You cannot use 'will' and 'might' together. 'Might' already implies a future possibility.

Wrong: If it rains, I will might stay home.
Correcto: If it rains, I might stay home.

Modal verbs like 'should' replace 'will' entirely in the result clause of a conditional.

Wrong: If you are tired, you will should rest.
Correcto: If you are tired, you should rest.

In English, 'will can' is ungrammatical. Use 'can' for the conditional result or 'will be able to'.

Wrong: If I study hard, I will can speak English.
Correcto: If I study hard, I can speak English (or 'I will be able to speak').

Next Steps

You're making incredible progress! By mastering these nuances, you're sounding much more like a fluent English speaker. Keep it up!

Write 3 'If' sentences giving advice to a tourist in your city.

Record yourself explaining three things you might do if you win the lottery.

Continue to: Tu puente al presente: Domina el Present Perfect

Práctica rápida (8)

Elige la forma correcta del verbo para completar la frase.

If you study hard, you ___ pass the exam.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: can
En el Primer Condicional, usamos 'can' (no 'will can') para expresar habilidad en la cláusula principal cuando la condición es real o probable.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Primer Condicional con 'Can' (Posibilidad y Permiso Futuro)

Encuentra y corrige el error en la oración.

Find and fix the mistake:

If I finish work early, I will might join you.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: If I finish work early, I might join you.
No puedes usar 'will' y 'might' juntos. 'Might' ya expresa posibilidad futura, reemplazando a 'will'. ¡Buen ojo!

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Primer Condicional: Quizás/Probablemente (May/Might)

Elige la forma correcta para completar la oración.

If she studies hard, she ___ pass the exam.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: may
'May' expresa correctamente posibilidad aquí. 'Will probably' también es posible, pero 'may' indica una certeza ligeramente menor, lo cual es una buena opción cuando 'will probably' no es lo más preciso. ¡Muy bien!

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Primer Condicional: Quizás/Probablemente (May/Might)

Elige la forma correcta para completar la frase.

If you study consistently, you ___ definitely improve your English.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: can
Si estudias consistentemente, *can* definitivamente mejorar tu inglés. 'Can' expresa habilidad o una posibilidad fuerte. 'Will' también sería correcto, pero 'can' añade el matiz de habilidad.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Primer Condicional: Usando Modales (can, might, should)

Encuentra y corrige el error en la frase.

Find and fix the mistake:

If it will rain tomorrow, we can stay inside.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: If it rains tomorrow, we can stay inside.
La cláusula 'if' en el Primer Condicional siempre usa el tiempo Presente Simple, no 'will'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Primer Condicional con 'Can' (Posibilidad y Permiso Futuro)

¿Cuál oración es correcta?

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: If he calls, I will maybe tell him the news.
La cláusula 'if' usa presente simple, y 'will maybe' expresa correctamente la posibilidad en la cláusula principal. 'May be' es para estados del ser. ¡Lo captaste!

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Primer Condicional: Quizás/Probablemente (May/Might)

¿Qué frase usa correctamente el Primer Condicional con un modal?

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: If he's hungry, he should eat something.
Después de un verbo modal como 'should', debes usar la forma base del verbo (infinitivo sin 'to'). Además, la cláusula 'if' usa correctamente el 'present simple' ('he's hungry').

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Primer Condicional: Usando Modales (can, might, should)

Encuentra y corrige el error en la frase.

Find and fix the mistake:

If she will arrive late, we might start dinner without her.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: If she arrives late, we might start dinner without her.
La cláusula 'if' del Primer Condicional debe usar el 'present simple'. 'Will' no se usa en la cláusula 'if' para posibilidades futuras.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Primer Condicional: Usando Modales (can, might, should)

Score: /8

Preguntas frecuentes (6)

La estructura básica es 'If + presente simple, sujeto + modal (can/might/should) + forma base del verbo'. Por ejemplo, 'If it rains, we might stay inside.'
'Can' en el Primer Condicional expresa habilidad, posibilidad o permiso. Por ejemplo, 'If you practice, you can get better.' (habilidad).
La clave es expresar un *grado* de certeza. El Primer Condicional básico con 'will' implica un resultado fuerte, casi seguro. Estos modificadores bajan esa certeza, indicando que el resultado es posible, pero no garantizado, como en:
If I have time, I may come.
'Will probably' sugiere una probabilidad más alta, lo que significa que estás bastante seguro de que el resultado sucederá si se cumple la condición. 'May' y 'might' indican una posibilidad más baja y general, lo que significa que el resultado podría ocurrir, pero estás menos seguro, por ejemplo:
I might miss the train.
Se trata de expresar una posibilidad futura donde una acción es *posible* porque tienes la habilidad u oportunidad, o *permitida* porque tienes permiso, dada una condición específica. Por ejemplo, 'If it stops raining, we can go out'.
Usa 'can' cuando el resultado de la condición se trata de habilidad, permiso u oportunidad. Usa 'will' para una predicción general o un resultado futuro seguro. Compara: 'If I finish early, I can meet you' (habilidad) vs. 'If I finish early, I will meet you' (certeza).
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