Task 4 vocabulary: Making Predictions
The words and phrases that lift an answer in Speaking Task 4, each with its meaning, an example, similar words and a CELPIP tip. New to this task? Read the Task 4 format and strategy.
Phrases 27
is likely to
phraseCLB 6Will probably happen.
“The boy is likely to fall if he keeps leaning back.”
Similarwill probablyis expected toCELPIP tip More advanced than 'will'. Follow with the base verb.
is bound to
phraseCLB 8Is almost certain to happen.
“With all those clouds, it's bound to start raining soon.”
Similaris sure tois certain toCELPIP tip Use for your most confident prediction.
is about to
phraseCLB 6Will happen very soon.
“The waiter is about to drop the tray of drinks.”
Similaris on the verge ofis going toCELPIP tip Perfect for actions frozen mid-moment in the picture.
there's a good chance that
phraseCLB 6It's quite probable that.
“There's a good chance that the dog will chase the ball.”
Similarit's likely thatchances areCELPIP tip Adds variety to your prediction language.
I wouldn't be surprised if
phraseCLB 7Used to predict something you think is possible.
“I wouldn't be surprised if the kids start arguing over the toy.”
Similarit's quite possible thatCELPIP tip Natural, fluent phrase that sounds like a native speaker.
chances are
phraseCLB 7It's probable that.
“Chances are, the family will stay at the beach until sunset.”
SimilarprobablylikelyCELPIP tip An informal, natural way to start a prediction.
is going to
phraseCLB 5Predicts something based on present evidence.
“Look at the clouds. It's going to rain.”
Similarwillis about toCELPIP tip Use when you see evidence in the picture.
is unlikely to
phraseCLB 6Probably won't happen.
“The girl is unlikely to catch the bus in time.”
Similarprobably won'tCELPIP tip Balance positive and negative predictions.
is set to
phraseCLB 8Is ready or planned to happen.
“The race is set to begin any minute.”
Similaris scheduled tois due toCELPIP tip Sounds natural and fluent.
there's no way
phraseCLB 7Something definitely won't happen.
“There's no way they'll finish all that food.”
Similardefinitely won'tCELPIP tip Informal and natural for something that definitely won't happen.
I imagine that
phraseCLB 6Introduces a prediction you are picturing.
“I imagine that the kids will run to the ice cream truck.”
SimilarI pictureI supposeCELPIP tip Varies your prediction openers.
I'd guess that
phraseCLB 5Introduces a guess.
“I'd guess that the man will apologize.”
Similarmy guess isCELPIP tip Shows uncertainty politely. Good for predictions you are less sure about.
sooner or later
phraseCLB 6Eventually.
“Sooner or later, someone will notice the spill.”
Similareventuallyat some pointCELPIP tip A natural time phrase for something that will happen eventually.
before long
phraseCLB 7Soon.
“Before long, the whole crowd will be dancing.”
SimilarsoonshortlyCELPIP tip More advanced than 'soon'.
as soon as
phraseCLB 5Immediately when.
“As soon as the music starts, they'll get up.”
Similarthe momentwhenCELPIP tip Links two future events.
once that happens
phraseCLB 6After that event.
“Once that happens, the dog will probably run away.”
Similarafter thatthenCELPIP tip Chains predictions together, so your answer flows from one event to the next.
in all likelihood
phraseCLB 8Very probably.
“In all likelihood, they'll need a taxi home.”
Similarmost likelyprobablyCELPIP tip A formal, impressive way to say "very probably".
it's possible that
phraseCLB 6Something may happen.
“It's possible that the woman will slip on the ice.”
SimilarmaybeperhapsCELPIP tip Use for less certain predictions.
the next thing that will happen
phraseCLB 6Introduces the next event.
“The next thing that will happen is the waiter bringing the bill.”
SimilarnextthenCELPIP tip Helps you order events clearly in your prediction.
In all probability
phraseCLB 8Very likely.
“In all probability, the boy will drop the ice cream before he reaches his mother.”
Similarmost likelyin all likelihoodCELPIP tip A variation that keeps your predictions from sounding repetitive.
It wouldn't surprise me if
phraseCLB 8Used to predict something you think could easily happen.
“It wouldn't surprise me if the dog jumped into the pool next.”
SimilarI'd expectChances areCELPIP tip Use a past-tense verb after "if": "it wouldn't surprise me if he fell".
is on the verge of
phraseCLB 8Very close to doing something.
“The little girl is on the verge of tears because her balloon is floating away.”
Similaris about tois close toCELPIP tip Follow it with a noun or an -ing verb: "on the verge of crying".
In the not-too-distant future
phraseCLB 9Fairly soon.
“In the not-too-distant future, the waiter will realize he's brought the wrong order.”
Similarsoonbefore longshortlyCELPIP tip A natural way to talk about what happens a little later, not only right now.
It stands to reason that
phraseCLB 9Used to say that something is logical and expected.
“It stands to reason that the kids will get soaked if they keep playing near the sprinkler.”
SimilarIt makes sense thatLogicallyCELPIP tip Shows you are predicting from evidence in the picture, which examiners reward.
I have a feeling that
phraseCLB 9Used to express a prediction you feel fairly sure about.
“I have a feeling that the man is going to slip on that wet floor.”
SimilarI suspect thatI sense thatCELPIP tip Sounds natural and fluent; it softens a prediction without weakening it.
in the ensuing chaos
phraseCLB 10In the confusion that follows an event.
“In the ensuing chaos, the dog will probably grab a sandwich from the table.”
Similarin the confusion that followsamid the commotionCELPIP tip Links your predictions into a story, which makes Task 4 answers flow.
is poised to
phraseCLB 10Ready to do something, or very likely to happen soon.
“The cat is poised to jump onto the counter where the fish is.”
Similaris ready tois about toCELPIP tip Paints a clear picture of the moment just before an action.
Verbs 10
predict
verbCLB 6/prɪˈdɪkt/To say what will happen in the future.
“I predict that the man will miss his bus.”
SimilarforecastforeseeexpectCELPIP tip Use it once to frame your answer: 'Here's what I predict will happen.'
expect
verbCLB 6/ɪkˈspɛkt/To think something will happen.
“I expect the woman will ask for help with her bags.”
SimilaranticipateassumeCELPIP tip Can be followed by 'that' or 'someone to do something'.
anticipate
verbCLB 7/ænˈtɪsɪˌpeɪt/To expect something and possibly prepare for it.
“I anticipate that the store will get even busier later.”
SimilarforeseeexpectCELPIP tip A higher-level verb that impresses examiners.
may
verbCLB 5/meɪ/Expresses possibility.
“They may decide to leave early.”
SimilarmightcouldCELPIP tip Use modal verbs to vary certainty.
foresee
verbCLB 8/fɔːrˈsiː/To predict what will happen.
“I foresee a lot of laughter at this party.”
SimilarpredictanticipateCELPIP tip An advanced prediction verb.
suspect
verbCLB 7/səˈspɛkt/To think something is probably true.
“I suspect the boy will get in trouble.”
SimilarthinkbelieveCELPIP tip Good for less obvious predictions.
unfold
verbCLB 8/ʌnˈfoʊld/To develop or happen over time.
“As the afternoon unfolds, more families will probably arrive at the picnic.”
Similardevelophappenplay outCELPIP tip Useful for describing how the whole scene will change, not just one action.
culminate in
phrasal verbCLB 9To end with a particular result, often an exciting one.
“All this chaos will probably culminate in a very messy kitchen.”
Similarend inresult inlead toCELPIP tip Great for your final prediction, the one that ties the story together.
ensue
verbCLB 9/ɪnˈsuː/To happen after something, often as a result.
“Once the cake falls, a lot of laughter will probably ensue.”
Similarfollowresultcome afterCELPIP tip Usually used without an object: "chaos will ensue".
precipitate
verbCLB 10/prɪˈsɪpɪteɪt/To make something bad happen suddenly or sooner.
“That one loose shelf could precipitate a whole collapse of the display.”
Similartriggercausebring aboutCELPIP tip Very formal; use it once when one action clearly causes a bigger one.
Adverbs 8
probably
adverbCLB 5/ˈprɒbəbli/Very likely.
“They'll probably go inside once it gets dark.”
Similarlikelymost likelyCELPIP tip Place it after 'will': 'will probably go'.
eventually
adverbCLB 6/ɪˈvɛntʃuəli/In the end, after some time.
“Eventually, the toddler will get tired and fall asleep.”
Similarin the endsooner or laterCELPIP tip Great for describing a later prediction in a sequence.
afterwards
adverbCLB 6/ˈæftərwərdz/After that event.
“Afterwards, they'll probably clean up and head home.”
Similarlaterafter thatthenCELPIP tip Helps you sequence several predictions.
likely
adverbCLB 6/ˈlaɪkli/Probably.
“They'll most likely order pizza.”
SimilarprobablyCELPIP tip 'Most likely' is very natural.
shortly
adverbCLB 7/ˈʃɔːrtli/Soon.
“The train will be arriving shortly.”
Similarsoonin a momentCELPIP tip Formal word for 'soon'.
certainly
adverbCLB 6/ˈsɜːrtənli/Without doubt.
“She'll certainly be surprised.”
SimilardefinitelysurelyCELPIP tip Use for your most confident prediction.
perhaps
adverbCLB 5/pərˈhæps/Possibly.
“Perhaps they'll stop for lunch.”
SimilarmaybepossiblyCELPIP tip Softer than "probably". Mix them to vary how certain you sound.
inevitably
adverbCLB 10/ɪnˈevɪtəbli/In a way that cannot be avoided.
“Inevitably, someone will knock over the paint can.”
Similarunavoidablynaturallyas expectedCELPIP tip Combine with a cause: "With so many kids running around, inevitably..."
Adjectives 2
inevitable
adjectiveCLB 8/ɪˈnɛvɪtəbəl/Certain to happen; can't be avoided.
“With so much traffic, a delay seems inevitable.”
SimilarunavoidablecertainCELPIP tip A strong word for a confident prediction.
imminent
adjectiveCLB 8/ˈɪmɪnənt/Likely to happen very soon.
“A collision looks imminent if the cyclist doesn't see the open car door.”
Similarimpendingabout to happenCELPIP tip Use it for something dramatic that is about to happen in the picture.
Expressions 3
In a few minutes
expressionCLB 5A short time from now.
“In a few minutes, the bus will arrive and everyone will get on.”
SimilarshortlysoonCELPIP tip Use different time markers to show how events will unfold.
If that happens
expressionCLB 5Used to predict a result of a possible event.
“If that happens, the man will probably have to buy a new phone.”
Similarin that caseif soCELPIP tip Chains your predictions together logically.
all hell will break loose
idiomCLB 10Used to predict that a situation will suddenly become very chaotic.
“When the bride sees the fallen cake, all hell will break loose.”
Similarchaos will followthings will go wrongCELPIP tip Informal but natural. Keep it for one dramatic prediction.
How to learn these words
- Start with words at or just above your target CLB: the badge on each word is our estimate of the level at which learners use it correctly. Pick a level in Any CLB level to see only those words.
- Learn five to ten words a day, not the whole list at once.
- Open Flashcards, say what each word means, then check. Words you mark I know it drop out of the To learn view.
- Use two or three new words in your next Task 4 practice answer. A word you have used yourself is the one you remember in the test.
- Save the words you keep forgetting to your own word bank, which brings each one back just before you would forget it.
More CELPIP Speaking vocabulary
- Task 1: Giving Advice (54 words)
- Task 2: Talking about a Personal Experience (66 words)
- Task 3: Describing a Scene (54 words)
- Task 5: Comparing and Persuading (49 words)
- Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation (55 words)
- Task 7: Expressing Opinions (57 words)
- Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation (58 words)
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