X Tables
probability

Probability language

Use impossible, unlikely, even chance, likely and certain.

Quick answer

Probability language helps us describe how likely or unlikely something is to happen. We use words like impossible, unlikely, even chance, likely, and certain to talk about chance.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to describe everyday events using probability language like impossible, unlikely, even chance, likely, and certain. Success signs:
  • You can say whether an event is impossible, unlikely, even chance, likely, or certain
  • You can give examples of each probability word
  • You can use these words when talking about your own experiences
  • You can sort events into probability categories

Why this matters

Probability language helps us understand and talk about chance in our everyday lives. Whether you're deciding what to wear, waiting for a bus, or playing a game, knowing how likely something is helps you make better choices. It's also important for science, weather forecasts, and even deciding whether to take an umbrella. When you understand probability words, you're better at predicting what might happen next.

How it works

Probability language describes how likely an event is to happen. We use words to show how much chance there is:
  • Impossible means it will never happen
  • Unlikely means it might happen, but not very often
  • Even chance means it has a 50% chance of happening or not happening
  • Likely means it will probably happen
  • Certain means it will definitely happen

Examples you can see

Let's look at some real examples to understand these words: Impossible:
  • It will never snow in the Sahara desert
  • A giraffe can't fly
  • You can't have 10 fingers on one hand
Unlikely:
  • It's unlikely that you'll win the lottery
  • It's unlikely that it will rain in July in the UK
  • It's unlikely that you'll find a gold coin in your pocket
Even chance:
  • Flipping a coin - it's even chance that it will land on heads or tails
  • Rolling a die - it's even chance that you'll roll a 3 or not roll a 3
  • Choosing a card from a deck - it's even chance that it's a red card or not red
Likely:
  • It's likely that you'll eat breakfast tomorrow
  • It's likely that it will be sunny in summer
  • It's likely that you'll see a dog on your walk
Certain:
  • It's certain that you will grow taller as you get older
  • It's certain that the sun will rise tomorrow
  • It's certain that you have two eyes

Try it as a mini adventure

The Probability Detective Adventure You are a detective in a magical town where everything has a chance of happening. Your job is to sort events into the five probability categories. Adventure steps: 1st time: You see a bird flying in the sky. Is this impossible, unlikely, even chance, likely, or certain? 2nd time: You see a snake in your garden. Is this impossible, unlikely, even chance, likely, or certain? 3rd time: You flip a coin. Is the coin landing on heads impossible, unlikely, even chance, likely, or certain? 4th time: You see a rainbow after the rain. Is this impossible, unlikely, even chance, likely, or certain? 5th time: You see a baby being born. Is this impossible, unlikely, even chance, likely, or certain? 6th time: You see a person with 10 legs. Is this impossible, unlikely, even chance, likely, or certain? 7th time: You eat an apple. Is this impossible, unlikely, even chance, likely, or certain? 8th time: You see a cat sleeping. Is this impossible, unlikely, even chance, likely, or certain? 9th time: You see a rainbow in winter. Is this impossible, unlikely, even chance, likely, or certain? 10th time: You see a person grow 10 cm in one day. Is this impossible, unlikely, even chance, likely, or certain?

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking that "unlikely" means "impossible"
    Why it happens: Children mix up words that sound similar
    Fix: Remember: impossible means never, unlikely means not often
  • Mistake: Saying that rolling a 6 on a die is "even chance"
    Why it happens: Confusing the chance of one specific outcome with all outcomes
    Fix: There are 6 sides, so rolling a 6 is 1 in 6 chance = unlikely
  • Mistake: Thinking that "certain" means "always happens"
    Why it happens: Not understanding the difference between certainty and frequency
    Fix: Certain means it will happen every time, not just often
  • Mistake: Using words like "maybe" or "possibly" instead of probability words
    Why it happens: Not knowing the correct words to describe chance
    Fix: Practice using the 5 words to describe events

Parent and carer guide

Parents and carers can help children understand probability language by:
  • Using these words in daily conversation: "It's certain that we'll eat dinner tonight", "It's unlikely that it will snow in summer"
  • Playing games that involve chance: coin flips, dice rolling, spinners
  • Looking at weather forecasts together and discussing "chance of rain" or "sunny weather"
  • Using real examples from your own life to practice categorising events
  • Reading books that use probability language like "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" or "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie"
  • Not worrying if a child gets confused at first - it's normal to mix up these words
  • Reinforcing that it's okay to be uncertain, and that probability words help us talk about that uncertainty

Practice questions

  1. Is it impossible, unlikely, even chance, likely, or certain that you will see a dog on your walk?
  2. Is it impossible, unlikely, even chance, likely, or certain that a giraffe can fly?
  3. Is it impossible, unlikely, even chance, likely, or certain that you will eat breakfast tomorrow?
  4. Is it impossible, unlikely, even chance, likely, or certain that you will get a gold star for maths?
  5. Is it impossible, unlikely, even chance, likely, or certain that the sun will rise tomorrow?
  6. Is it impossible, unlikely, even chance, likely, or certain that you will find a 50p coin in your pocket?
  7. Is it impossible, unlikely, even chance, likely, or certain that you will see a rainbow after rain?
  8. Is it impossible, unlikely, even chance, likely, or certain that you will see a penguin in the UK?
  9. Is it impossible, unlikely, even chance, likely, or certain that you will grow taller?
  10. Is it impossible, unlikely, even chance, likely, or certain that you will have 10 fingers?
Answers:
  1. Likely
  2. Impossible
  3. Certain
  4. Unlikely
  5. Certain
  6. Unlikely
  7. Likely
  8. Impossible
  9. Certain
  10. Certain

FAQ

What does "even chance" mean?

Even chance means something has a 50% chance of happening or not happening. For example, when you flip a coin, it's even chance that it will land on heads or tails.

How can I remember the probability words?

You can remember them by thinking about how often something happens. Impossible never happens, unlikely rarely happens, even chance happens half the time, likely happens often, and certain always happens.

Are there other words for probability?

Yes, there are other words like "chance", "risk", and "likelihood", but these five words are the main ones we use in maths.

Why do we need to learn probability language?

Probability language helps us understand and predict what might happen. It's useful for making decisions, understanding science, and even playing games.

Can probability words change?

Yes, they can change based on context. For example, it's unlikely that you'll win the lottery, but it's even chance that you'll get a head when flipping a coin.