Modal Expressions: Scale of Likelihood

Sample sentences

e.g. The term “engineering” can have different meanings.

e.g. A scientist is unlikely to be able to solve engineering problems.

e.g. We are likely to see significant advances in robotics in the coming years.

e.g. The generators and turbines are bound to use a lot of electrical power.

e.g. These rainproof seals can't possibly let water into the switchboard.

Form and uses

If we consider that the scale of likelihood goes from 100% certainty to 0% certainty, we can identify the following segments. (The numbers below are only a general indication, not exact values.)

Certainty – 100%

Probability – 75%

Possibility – 50%

Improbability – 25%

Impossibility – 0%

Certainty:

e.g. I am (absolutely) sure / certain / positive that power requirements will increase.

e.g. Power requirements will definitely / certainly increase.

e.g. Power requirements are certain / sure / bound to increase.

Probability:

e.g. It is (very) likely / probable that the pumps will use more electricity.

e.g. The pumps are (quite) likely to use more electricity.

e.g. They could use more electricity.

Possibility:

e.g. We may / might need more pumps on site.

Improbability:

e.g. It is (very / highly) unlikely / improbable that the pumps will use more electricity.

e.g. The pumps probably won't use more electricity.

e.g. The pumps are (quite) unlikely to use more electricity.

e.g. The pumps shouldn 't use more electricity.

Impossibility:

e.g. I am sure / certain / positive that power requirements won't increase.

e.g. Power requirements definitely / certainly won't increase.

e.g. Power requirements can't (possibly) increase.

Uses

1. Definitely and certainly

Notice the position of the adverbs in certainty and impossibility:

e.g. We will definitely / certainly replace the fuses. (after wiII)

e.g. The fuses definitely / certainly won't fan. (before won't)

2. Likely and unlikely

These adjectives can take two constructions:

e.g. It is likely / unlikely that the pumps will use more electricity. (adjective + that + clause)

e.g. The pumps are likely l unlikely to use more electricity. (adjective + to + infinitive)

3. May and might

Some speakers feel there is a slight difference in the strength of these two words:

e.g. We may need more pumps on site. (50% likelihood)

e.g. We might need more pumps on site. (45% likelihood)

Ex. 14. Put the following words in the correct order to form sentences.

1. The goods / until next week / won't / be delivered / probably.

2. I'm / these crates / sure / are strong enough / absolutely / that.

3. The goods / to remain in the warehouse / unlikely / for long / are.

4. It / take long / to load the ship / shouldn't.

5. They / be sent by air freight / won't / definitely.

6. The goods / in transit / be / for four days / may.

7. They're / the volume of imports / quite / to increase / likely.

Ex.15. Rewrite the following sentences using the phrases from the section “Form and Uses” above so that the meaning does not change.

Model:

The local authorities probably won't accept the plans for a concrete arch bridge.

The local authorities are unlikely to accept the plans for a concrete arch bridge.

1. I'm absolutely sure that there will be advances in heat-exchange technology.

2. It's unlikely that we will see more robots being used in the home in the next ten years.

3. Glass fibre optics will very probably be replaced by plastic in the near future.

4. Washing machines and dishwashers are certain to become more energy-efficient.

5. A mat foundation can't possibly support a high building.

6. We may need extra sound-deadening material in these walls.

7. They definitely won't want to use wood for the ceiling.

8. It is very probable that she's suffering from an allergy.

9. Research being carried out at the moment may help find a cure for cancer.

Ex. 16. Complete the following text about future sources of energy by choosing a suitable verb or phrase from the ones given in the “Form and Uses” section at the beginning of the unit. The figure in brackets indicates the likelihood.

At present most of the energy we use comes from oil and gas, and scientists are becoming increasingly concerned about our future energy needs. Many scientists believe that fossil fuels are (0) certain bound (100%) to run out by the middle of this century, while others think that they are (1) _______ (75%) to run out before then. Whatever the time scale, fossil fuels (2) _______ (100%) run out sooner or later, and we must consider alternative sources of energy.

In the short term, it (3) _______ (25%) that alternative energy will be able to supply the world's needs, however, in the long term, our energy needs (4) _______ (0%) be met by fossil fuels. The future of nuclear power is also uncertain. It (5) _______ (50%) provide enough power, but public opinion is (6) _______ (75%) to prevent any expansion. Some countries have promised to stop nuclear power production but it seems increasingly (7) _______ (25%) that they will be able to do so. Atomic power is considered much safer and we (8) _______ (50%) see an expansion of this in the future. Alternative sources of energy are (9) _______ (100%) increase but they (10) _______ (25%) won't provide 100% of our needs within the next 50 years. Solar thermal power will (11) _______ (100%) be one of our future sources, but no one is sure what percentage it will provide. The US Department of Energy thinks that solar power plants are (12) _______ (75%) be able to produce electricity almost as cheaply as fossil fuel plants within the next 50 years. However, due to global warming there (13) _______ (50%) be changes in the pattern of sunshine as changes in climate are (14) _______ (75%). There (15) _______ (50%) be more cloud in the future which is (16) _______ (100%) to have a serious effect on solar concentrators.

Ex. 17. Study the following pattern and do the task that follows.

You are looking for your manager. Nobody is sure where he is but you get some suggestions.

1. Perhaps he is in his office. – He may / might be in his office. (indefinite infinitive)

2. Perhaps he is having lunch. – He may / might be having lunch. (continuous infinitive)

3. Perhaps Ann knows. – She might know. (indefinite infinitive)

Paraphrase the following sentences using “may” or “might” with the correct form of the infinitive, indefinite or continuous.

1. Perhaps John wants to apply to Shell.

2. Perhaps Chevron is planning to start a new exploration project in Canada.

3. Perhaps the company will be sued for illegal business practices.

4. Perhaps TNK-BP is expecting to sign a deal with the ConocoPhillips.

5. Perhaps Robert is having a job interview right now.

6. Perhaps the company is expanding.

7. Perhaps the residents of the area are unhappy with the environmental practices of the oil company developing the nearby field.

8. Perhaps the careless use of the equipment will lead to an accident.

9. Perhaps Sinopec is going to buy out a smaller petroleum company.

10. Perhaps the employees will be obliged to follow the company’s business practices.

Ex. 18. Study the following pattern and do the task that follows.

Must / can’t

We use must to say that we feel that something is true:

e.g. Drilling operations account for 67 percent of capital expenditures of the project. Drilling must be a very expensive operation.

e.g. Jim is a hard worker. – Jim? You must be joking! He’s very lazy!

We use can’t to say that we feel sure something is not possible.

e.g. Drilling in this field began only two months ago. They can’t be producing oil now.

e.g. This company is not registered in the Oil-and-Gas companies list. It can’t be very big.

Put in “must” or “can’t” in the following sentences.

1. Jim has been working in Baker Hughes for five years. He _____ be very experienced.

2. That company _____ be very prosperous. It provides regular training of its employees in foreign companies.

3. That company _____ be very well-known. I have never heard its name before.

4. Tim is going to Saudi Arabia on a conference next week. He _____ be looking forward to the trip.

5. Congratulations! Your application to Baker Hughes has been approved. You _____ be very pleased.

6. The exploration program is not going to take longer than two years. The oilfield _____ be very big.

7. The oil production has been steadily declining for the last ten years. This field _____ be a mature one.

8. The new production engineer is a very experienced professional. He _____ know more about petroleum production than anybody in our department.

9. This company has never been involved in any lawsuits. Its employees _____ be very dedicated to the code of business ethics.

10. You _____ be very happy to get the position in Shell. Everyone would like to work in this company.

Listening

Ex. 19. You will hear a report about a famous oil well firefighter, Red Adair. As you listen, choose the best answer, A, B, or C.

Vocabulary:

1. wellhead – устье скважины

2. explosive – взрывчатое вещество

3. put out – гасить, тушить (пожар)

4. nitroglycerine – нитроглицерин

5. congressional lawmakers – законодатели Конгресса США

1. Why was Neil Adair called “Red Adair”?

1. He was red-haired.

2. He went everywhere in red clothes and boots.

3. He founded a company with a red brand mark.

1. When did Red Adair start working in the oil sphere?

1. before World War Two

2. during World War Two

3. after World War Two

1. What is the most dangerous part of dealing with oil well fires?

1. extinguishing the fire

2. exploding the well

3. stopping flow from the well

1. What is “Wild Well Control Techniques”?

1. a company established by Red Adair

2. explosives invented by Red Adair

3. methods invented by Red Adair

1. According to Red Adair, what was the most satisfying part of his job?

1. safe completion of the work

2. the dynamics of the work

3. experiencing no fear in dangerous situations

1. What was special about the fire in the Sahara Desert?

1. It was the first use of nitroglycerine in stopping fires.

2. It rose very high into the sky.

3. Adair’s crew managed to extinguish it in a short period of time.

1. What was Adair’s role in making the film “Hellfighters”?

1. He presented an award of honour to the actor who played the main role.

2. He played the main role.

3. He consulted the actor who played the firefighter.

1. What is the attitude of actors in the part of the film we hear?

1. irresponsible

2. hardworking

3. relaxed

1. What was one of the dangers in putting out fires in Kuwait?

1. the risk of confronting Iraqi army

2. landmines in the ground

3. lack of drinking water

1. What idea best characterizes Red Adair’s attitude to life?

1. Try to be a hero in an age without heroes.

2. Never make a deal with the devil.

3. Enjoy your work and work as much as you can.

Ex. 20. How can you characterize Red Adair’s life from the point of view of engineering ethics? What principles of engineering ethics did he follow? Discuss in class.

Writing

Ex. 21. Write an essay on one of the following topics.

1. Business ethics is the key to successful business.

2. Honesty is the best policy: Running an honest business.

3. Being a responsible business player: The social role of business.

4. Engineering in today’s world: the ethics of profession.