B1 · Intermediário Capítulo 17

Expressing Degrees of Certainty

3 Regras totais
36 exemplos
5 min
Regras neste capítulo Prática 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.

O que você vai aprender

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.

Guia do 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.

Exemplos-chave (6)

1

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

Se você estudar muito, você pode passar no exame facilmente.

Primeiro Condicional: Usando Modais (can, might, should)
2

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

Se chover amanhã, talvez a gente fique em casa assistindo filmes.

Primeiro Condicional: Usando Modais (can, might, should)
3

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

Se você não se hidratar o suficiente, provavelmente se sentirá cansado mais tarde.

Primeiro Condicional: Talvez/Provavelmente (May/Might)
4

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

Se o show esgotar rápido, talvez não consigamos ingressos.

Primeiro Condicional: Talvez/Provavelmente (May/Might)
5

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

Si llueve, podemos quedarnos dentro y jugar.

Primeiro Condicional com 'Can' (Possibilidade e Permissão Futura)
6

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

Puedes tomar prestado mi libro si prometes devolverlo.

Primeiro Condicional com 'Can' (Possibilidade e Permissão Futura)

Dicas e truques (3)

💡

Misture!

Não use só o 'will' nos seus condicionais! Usar can, might e should adiciona muito mais detalhes e precisão às suas frases. Mostra que você entende as nuances de probabilidade e conselho. Por exemplo:
If you study, you can pass.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Primeiro Condicional: Usando Modais (can, might, should)
💡

Avalie Sua Certeza

Escolha entre 'will probably' (mais provável) e 'may/might' (menos certo) dependendo da sua confiança no resultado. É sobre expressar seu nível exato de convicção!
If I study, I will probably pass.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Primeiro Condicional: Talvez/Provavelmente (May/Might)
💡

Descobrindo a 'Possibilidade Real'

Lembre-se, o Condicional Tipo 1 com 'can' é para coisas que são realistas ou prováveis de acontecer. Não use para pura fantasia! "If it's sunny, we can go to the beach."
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Primeiro Condicional com 'Can' (Possibilidade e Permissão Futura)

Vocabulário-chave (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

Erros comuns

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

Wrong: If it rains, I will might stay home.
Correto: 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.
Correto: 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.
Correto: 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: Dominando o Present Perfect: A Ponte Entre o Passado e o Agora

Prática rápida (8)

Which sentence is correct?

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: If he calls, I will maybe tell him the news.
The 'if' clause uses present simple, and 'will maybe' correctly expresses possibility in the main clause. 'May be' is for states of being.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Primeiro Condicional: Talvez/Provavelmente (May/Might)

Encontre e corrija o erro na 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.
A parte 'if' do First Conditional deve usar o tempo presente simples. 'Will' não é usado na parte 'if' para possibilidades futuras. Fique de olho nesse detalhe!

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Primeiro Condicional: Usando Modais (can, might, should)

Escolha a forma correta para completar a frase.

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

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: can
Se você estudar consistentemente, você *pode* definitivamente melhorar seu inglês. 'Can' expressa habilidade ou forte possibilidade. 'Will' também estaria correto, mas 'can' adiciona a nuance de habilidade. É a recompensa pelo seu esforço!

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Primeiro Condicional: Usando Modais (can, might, should)

Escolha a forma correta para completar a frase.

If she studies hard, she ___ pass the exam.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: may
'May' expressa corretamente a possibilidade aqui. 'Will probably' também seria possível, mas 'may' indica uma certeza ligeiramente menor, o que é uma boa opção quando 'will probably' não é o mais preciso.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Primeiro Condicional: Talvez/Provavelmente (May/Might)

Encontre e corrija o erro na 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.
A cláusula 'if' no Condicional Tipo 1 sempre usa o tempo Present Simple, não 'will'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Primeiro Condicional com 'Can' (Possibilidade e Permissão Futura)

Encontre e corrija o erro na frase.

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.
Você não pode usar 'will' e 'might' juntos. 'Might' já expressa possibilidade futura, substituindo 'will'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Primeiro Condicional: Talvez/Provavelmente (May/Might)

Escolha a forma correta do verbo para completar a frase.

If you study hard, you ___ pass the exam.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: can
No Condicional Tipo 1, usamos 'can' (não 'will can') para expressar habilidade na cláusula principal quando a condição é real ou provável.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Primeiro Condicional com 'Can' (Possibilidade e Permissão Futura)

Qual frase usa corretamente o First Conditional com um modal?

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: If he's hungry, he should eat something.
Após um verbo modal como 'should', você deve usar a forma base do verbo (infinitivo sem 'to'). Além disso, a parte 'if' usa corretamente o presente simples ('he's hungry'). Duas regras em uma só!

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Primeiro Condicional: Usando Modais (can, might, should)

Score: /8

Perguntas comuns (6)

A estrutura básica é If + presente simples, sujeito + modal (can/might/should) + verbo na forma base. Por exemplo, quando você pensa em um dia chuvoso:
If it rains, we might stay inside.
'Can' no First Conditional expressa habilidade, possibilidade ou permissão. Por exemplo, se você quer melhorar em algo:
If you practice, you can get better.
(habilidade).
A ideia é expressar um *grau* de certeza. O Primeiro Condicional básico com 'will' implica um resultado forte, quase certo. Esses modificadores diminuem essa certeza, indicando que o resultado é possível, mas não garantido, como em
If I have time, I may come.
'Will probably' sugere uma probabilidade maior, ou seja, você está bem confiante de que o resultado acontecerá se a condição for cumprida. 'May' e 'might' indicam uma possibilidade mais baixa e geral, significando que o resultado pode acontecer, mas você está menos certo, por exemplo,
I might miss the train.
É sobre expressar uma possibilidade futura onde uma ação é 'possível' porque você tem a habilidade ou oportunidade, ou 'permitida' porque você tem permissão, dada uma condição específica. Por exemplo,
If it stops raining, we can go out
.
Use 'can' quando o resultado da condição é sobre habilidade, permissão ou oportunidade. Use 'will' para uma previsão geral ou um resultado futuro certo. Compare:
If I finish early, I can meet you
(habilidade) versus
If I finish early, I will meet you
(certeza).
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Refining Your Future Conditions
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Dominando o Present Perfect: A Ponte Entre o Passado e o Agora
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