9.4.4 Epistemic moods

Use this section for verbal auxiliaries, affixes, adverbs, and particles that indicate epistemic moods. Epistemic moods have the whole proposition in their scope and indicate the degree of commitment of the speaker to the truth or future truth of the proposition. They may be combined with any of the tenses, either in the same morpheme or in combinations of morphemes. The following definitions are taken from Bybee, Joan, Revere Perkins, and William Pagliuca. 1994. The evolution of grammar. Chicago and London: University of Chicago Press.

Louw Nida Codes: 
71 Mode
  • possibility: the speaker is indicating that the situation described in the proposition is possibly true. Some markers with this meaning also indicate future time: 'He may arrive late because of the weather; It may snow again tomorrow; She could have already taken it'.
    may, could,
  • probability: the speaker is indicating that the situation described in the proposition is probably true. Some marker with this meaning also indicate future time. This is sometimes called the "Dubitative" in grammars: 'Paula should be home by now'.
    should,
  • inferred certainty: the speaker infers from evidence that the proposition is true: 'They must have killed a bear here (I can see blood on the snow)'.
    must have,
  • certainty: the speaker is emphasizing that the proposition is true.
    certainly,
  • uncertainty: the speaker is emphasizing that s/he doesn't know that the proposition is true.
    might,
  • indicative: main clause mood that also appears in questions. Contrasts with subjunctive, conditional, and imperative.
    [none in English]

    • 9.4.4.1 Certainly, definitely

    Use this domain for words that a speaker uses to indicate that he thinks something is certainly true or is certain to happen.

    Related domains: 
    9.4.4.2 Sure
    Louw Nida Codes: 
    71C Certain, Uncertain
  • What words indicate that something is certainly true?
    certainly, absolutely, definitely, there is no doubt, undoubtedly, without a doubt, without doubt, without a shadow of a doubt, unquestionably, be beyond dispute, there's no denying, there are no two ways about it, there is no question
  • What words indicate that something will certainly happen?
    certainly, definitely, be bound to, be sure to, be certain to, be assured of, be only a matter of time, be just a matter of time, cut and dried, you can bet your life, you can bet your bottom dollar, be a certainty, be a foregone conclusion, for sure
  • What words indicate that something will certainly succeed?
    can't go wrong, be a dead cert, it's in the bag, it's a safe bet, it's a sure bet, foolproof
  • What words refer to doing something in order to be certain that something will happen?
    make sure, make certain, insure, ensure, see that, see to it
  • What words indicate that something is certain to happen and nothing can be done to stop it?
    inevitable, whether you like it or not, willy nilly, be fated to, be destined to, predestined, be meant to be, pre-ordained, doomed, the inevitable
  • What words describe something that is certain?
    certain, definite, conclusive
  • What words indicate that something is certainly not true?
    absolute, assurance, assured, can, certain, certainly, certitude, clear, decided, decisive, definite, doubtless, established, fixed, guaranteed, incalculable, incontestable, incontrovertible, indisputable, indubitable, ineluctable, inevitable, infallible, inescapable, inevitable, irrefragable, irrefutable, positive, really, set, settled, single-minded, sure, sureness, trustworthy, unarguable, unavoidable, undeniable, unequivocal, unmistakable, unquestionable,

    • 9.4.4.2 Sure

    Use this domain for words related to being sure that something is true.

    Related domains: 
    9.4.4.1 Certainly, definitely
  • What words indicate that someone is certain about something?
    be sure, be certain, be positive, know, know very well, swear, I could have sworn, have no doubt, confident, convinced, satisfied (that), I bet, I'd put money on it, say what you like,
  • What words refer to making someone sure about something?
    convince

    • 9.4.4.3 Probably

    Use this domain for words that a speaker uses to indicate that he thinks something is probable or likely to occur.

    Louw Nida Codes: 
    71B Probable, Improbable
  • What words indicate that something will probably happen?
    probably, likely, probable, be a strong possibility, it looks as if, it looks like, chances are, may well, be in the cards, as likely as not, I wouldn't be surprised if, I dare say, I should think, I guess
  • What words indicate that something is probably true?
    probably, likely, probable, it looks as if, it's a fair bet, may well, may easily, as likely as not, I should think
  • What words indicate that something is very probably true
    very probably, very likely, there is a strong likelihood, there is a strong probability, almost certain, be more than likely, in all probability, ten to one
  • What words indicate that something good will probably happen?
    ought to be, should be, promise to be, looks promising,
  • What words indicate that something bad will probably happen?
    be heading for, be in for, threaten, threat
  • What words indicate that someone or something will probably be successful?
    have a good chance, stand a good chance, be set to do something, be on course
  • What words indicate that someone will probably do something bad?
    be quite capable of, I wouldn't put it past him
  • What words indicate how probable it is that something will happen?
    likelihood, probability, prospect, chances, odds
  • What words indicate that something is possible but not very probable?
    unlikely, improbable, doubtful, remote
  • What words indicate that someone or something will probably not be successful?
    little chance, little hope, little prospect, have little chance, stand little chance, outside chance

    • 9.4.4.4 Possible

    Use this domain for words that a speaker uses to indicate that he thinks something is possible. Maybe implies that the speaker doesn't know something.

    Related domains: 
    6.1.3.1 Easy, possible
    6.1.3 Difficult, impossible
    Louw Nida Codes: 
    71A Possible, Impossible
  • What words indicate that something is possible?
    possible, possibly, could, might, may, able, maybe, perhaps, sort of, I guess so

    • 9.4.4.5 Uncertain

    Use this domain for words that indicate that no one is certain that something is true, or when it is impossible to be certain that something is true.

    Louw Nida Codes: 
    71C Certain, Uncertain
  • What words indicate that something is uncertain?
    uncertain, not be certain, not be clear, it's up in the air, there is uncertainty
  • What words indicate that something is uncertain, but it is likely that something bad will happen?
    uncertain, doubtful, be in doubt, there is doubt about, it's touch and go, hang in the balance, iffy
  • What words indicate that two things are equally possible?
    could go either way, borderline, there's a fifty-fifty chance, it's a toss-up
  • What words indicate that something is uncertain because people have many different opinions about it?
    debatable, questionable, open to question, open to debate, moot point

    • 9.4.4.6 Unsure

    Use this domain for words related to not feeling sure about something or someone.

  • What words refer to not being sure about something?
    not be sure, not be certain, be unsure, be uncertain, not know, doubt, wonder, can't be sure, not be confident, be indefinite about, ambivalent
  • What words refer to not being sure whether you should do something?
    have doubts, have reservations, have misgivings, have mixed feelings, have qualms, hesitant
  • What words refer to making someone unsure about something?
    make someone unsure, make someone uncertain, cause doubt, cause uncertainty, it makes you wonder, raise doubts

    • 9.4.4.6.1 Think so

    Use this domain for words indicating that you think something is true, but you are not completely sure about it.

    Louw Nida Codes: 
    31E Suppose, Think Possible
  • What words indicate that you think something is true, but you are not completely sure about it?
    think, think it is possible, believe, bet, would gamble, would wager, guess, reckon, speculate, surmise, suspect, get the impression, have the impression, be under the impression, get the idea, feel, have the feeling, get the feeling,
  • What words indicate that you think something is true, but you have no proof of it?
    assume, assumption, presume, suppose, imagine, take it for granted, presumably, I take it
  • What do you say when you think something is true, but you are not sure?
    I think so, I guess so, as far as I know, to the best of my knowledge, as far as I'm aware,

    • 9.4.4.6.2 Maybe

    Use this domain for words that a speaker uses to indicate that he thinks it is possible that something may happen or be true, but he isn't certain.

    Related domains: 
    6.1.3.1 Easy, possible
    6.1.3 Difficult, impossible
  • What words indicate that maybe something may happen or is true?
    maybe, perhaps, may, might, it is possible, possibly, could, who knows?, there's a chance, you never know, conceivably,
  • What words indicate that the speaker is guessing about a number or amount, but is not certain?
    maybe, perhaps, possibly,
  • What words indicate that the speaker is not certain about a suggestion, plan, or idea?
    maybe, perhaps,

    • 9.4.4.6.3 Seem

    Use this domain for words indicating that something seems to be a certain way--you see (or hear) something and think something about it, but you are not sure that what you think is true.

  • What words indicate that something seems to be a certain way, but you are unsure?
    seem, appear, look, sound, give the impression, have a (certain) look, come across as, show signs of, strike someone as, have all the hallmarks of, an air of, give the impression,
  • What words indicate that someone seems to be doing something, or something seems to be happening?
    seem, appear,
  • What words indicate that something seems to be happening, or something seems to be true?
    it seems, it appears, it looks as if, apparently, to all appearances, by all appearances, seemingly, on the face of it, on the surface, outwardly,
  • What words describe something, such as a feeling or quality, that someone or something seems to have?
    apparent, seeming, superficial,
  • What words indicate that, because something seems to be a certain way, you think something is true?
    judging by, judging from, going by, from, from the way, you'd think, anyone would think,
  • What words indicate that someone or something is not what it seems to be?
    there's more to someone/something than meets the eye, deceptive, deceptively, not be what you/it seem,
  • What words refer to what you think or feel because of what someone or something seems?
    impression, feeling,
  • What words refer to the way something seems to appear?
    appearance, semblance of,

    • 9.4.4.7 Just, almost not

    Use this domain for words indicating that although something is true, it almost is not true.

  • What words indicate that although something is true, it almost is not true?
    just, almost didn't, nearly didn't, only just, narrowly, barely,
  • What words indicate that something bad almost happened, but it did not?
    narrowly missed, close shave
  • What words indicate that you did something, but almost didn't do it?
    just, only just, barely, be a near thing, be a close thing, by the skin of your teeth
  • What words indicate that you can do something, but it is difficult?
    can hardly, can barely, can scarcely
  • What words indicate that something is a particular amount, but not much more?
    just, only just, barely

    • 9.4.4.8 Don't think so, doubt it

    Use this domain for words indicating that you think something is unlikely to be true or to happen.

  • What words indicate that you think it is very unlikely that something is true or will happen?
    don't think, doubt, be doubtful, be dubious, I'd be surprised if, I think not, I wouldn't have thought so

    • 9.4.4.9 Impossible

    Use this domain for words that a speaker uses to indicate that he thinks something is impossible.

    Louw Nida Codes: 
    71A Possible, Impossible
  • What words indicate that something cannot be done?
    impossible, not possible, impracticable, there's no way, out of the question, hopeless, impractical
  • What words indicate that your situation makes it impossible for you to do something?
    impossible, not have a hope, not stand a chance, can't possibly, that's out, with the best will in the world, do the impossible
  • What words indicate that something cannot happen?
    impossible, not possible, can't, couldn't, impossibility, inconceivable, unthinkable, by any/no stretch of the imagination, there's no way
  • What words indicate that something is impossible to get?
    unattainable, out of reach
  • What words indicate that one thing makes something else impossible?
    make something impossible, rule out, preclude
  • What words indicate that something is impossible?
    absurd, impenetrable, impervious, inaccessible, inoperable, insurmountable, no chance, no earthly way, outlandish, preposterous, ridiculous, unable, unachievable, unapproachable, undoable, unfeasible, unimaginable, unworkable,