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Learn to express probability and assumptions in Spanish using the futuro simple with verbs like "suponer" and "creer" and adverbs such as "probablemente", "quizás", and "tal vez".
  1. If the sentence begins with a verb, use: verb + "que" + (noun) + futuro simple.
  2. If the sentence starts with an adverb, use: adverb + (noun) + simple future.
  3. If the sentence begins with a noun, use: noun + futuro simple.
ReglaVerbo/AdverbioEjemplo
Comienzo con verboSuponerSupongo que ellos llegarán tarde. (I suppose they will arrive late.)
Creer¿Crees que podrás adivinar mi secreto? (Do you think you will be able to guess my secret?)
Comienzo con adverbioProbablementeProbablemente tendréis muchas dudas. (You will probably have many doubts.)
A lo mejor A lo mejor el sospechoso estará cerca. (Perhaps the suspect will be nearby.)
QuizásQuizás el secreto estará oculto para siempre. (Perhaps the secret will be hidden forever.)
Tal vezTal vez la duda se resolverá mañana. (Perhaps the doubt will be resolved tomorrow.)

Exercise 1: El futuro simple: expresar probabilidad

Instruction: Fill in the correct word.

Show translation Show answers

dudará, adivinaremos, dudaréis, adivinarás, supondré, estará, será

1.
Quizás vosotros ... de él, pero es un buen chico.
(Perhaps you will doubt him, but he is a good boy.)
2.
María cree que el sospechoso ... descubierto rápido.
(Maria thinks the suspect will be discovered quickly.)
3.
Tal vez yo ... que la situación será más dudosa de lo que parece.
(Perhaps I will suppose that the situation will be more doubtful than it seems.)
4.
A lo mejor Juan ... de ti, porque todo parece dudoso.
(Juan might doubt you, because everything seems doubtful.)
5.
Suponen que la duda ... difícil de entender.
(They suppose that the doubt will be difficult to understand.)
6.
Nosotros no ... el secreto de Juan.
(We will not guess Juan's secret.)
7.
Ana, probablemente ... quién es el sospechoso.
(Ana, you will probably guess who the suspect is.)
8.
¿Crees que el secreto ... bien oculto para siempre?
(Do you think the secret will be well hidden forever?)

Understanding the Simple Future to Express Probability in Spanish

This lesson focuses on the futuro simple tense and how it is used not only to talk about future actions but also to express probability or assumptions about situations in the present. Explaining and practicing this usage will help you make educated guesses and express uncertainty smoothly in everyday conversations.

When and How to Use the Simple Future for Probability

In Spanish, the simple future can indicate that something is likely or probable, even if it’s about the current moment rather than a future event. The structure depends on how the sentence begins:

  • Starting with a verb: Use a verb such as suponer (to suppose) or creer (to believe), followed by que, then the subject and the verb in the simple future.
    Example: Supongo que ellos llegarán tarde.
  • Starting with an adverb: Use adverbs that express probability like probablemente, a lo mejor, quizás, or tal vez, followed by the subject and the verb in the simple future.
    Example: Probablemente tendréis muchas dudas.
  • Starting with a noun: When the sentence begins with a noun, simply follow it with a verb in the simple future.
    Example: La respuesta estará disponible pronto.

Important Words and Expressions

  • Suponer – to suppose
  • Creer – to believe
  • Probablemente – probably
  • A lo mejor – maybe/perhaps
  • Quizás – perhaps/maybe
  • Tal vez – perhaps/maybe

Additional Notes on Language Differences

Unlike English, where the future tense often strictly refers to future events, Spanish uses the simple future tense to express probability about the present or even the past. For example, in English, we might say "He is probably late," but in Spanish, it is common to say Él estará tarde (literally "He will be late") to convey that assumption. This difference is useful for learners to grasp because it changes how certainty and probability are communicated.
Useful phrases include:

  • Supongo que… – I suppose that…
  • ¿Crees que…? – Do you believe that…?
  • Probablemente… – Probably…
  • A lo mejor… – Maybe…

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