Words and Phrases for Speculation

Words and Phrases for Speculation in English (B2–C1)

Hello English learners 👋 Welcome to a new lesson.

Speculation is a key skill in English. We use speculative language when we are not completely sure about something but still want to express an idea in a careful, logical, and balanced way. Instead of sounding too definite — or too vague — speculation allows us to discuss possibilities, probabilities, assumptions, and hypothetical situations.

This skill is especially important in Cambridge exams such as B2 First (FCE) and C1 Advanced (CAE). In writing tasks like essays, reports, and proposals, you are often expected to interpret evidence, discuss possible outcomes, or evaluate situations without absolute certainty. In speaking exams, you may need to speculate about future developments, past events, or imagined scenarios.

In this lesson, you’ll learn useful words and phrases for speculation, with clear explanations and natural examples to help you use them confidently in both spoken and written English.

Common Words for Speculation

Possibly

Meaning: used to say that something might be true or happen, but you are not certain.

• The letter will possibly arrive by the end of the week.
• He was possibly the last person to see her.

Likely

Meaning: used to say that something is probable or expected.

• It is likely that we will finish the project on time.
• She is likely to win the competition.

Potentially

Meaning: used to say that something has the capacity to happen, although it is not guaranteed.

• This partnership could potentially lead to major innovations.
• She is potentially the best candidate, but further interviews are needed.

Probably

Meaning: used to express a high degree of probability.

• Prices are probably going to rise this year.
• The train has probably been delayed due to bad weather.

Presumably

Meaning: used when something is believed to be true based on logic or available information.

• The item is no longer listed, so presumably it is out of stock.
• The results aren’t published yet, so presumably the research is ongoing.

Apparently

Meaning: used when something seems to be true based on appearances or reports, even if it isn’t confirmed.

• Apparently, he has accepted the job offer.
• The company is apparently closing down, but nothing has been confirmed.

Hypothetically

Meaning: used to discuss imagined or theoretical situations.

• Hypothetically, how would this policy affect productivity?
• Hypothetically, profits could double if the market keeps growing.

Useful Phrases for Speculation

These sentence starters are especially useful for essays, reports, and speaking tasks.

• It is possible that the meeting will be postponed.
• There is a chance that she may be promoted soon.
• It could be that the delay was caused by technical issues.
• It seems likely that the project will be completed on time.
• It is reasonable to assume that the company will continue to grow.
• One might speculate that the decision was influenced by external factors.
• Based on the information available, it seems plausible that sales have increased.
• Considering the evidence, it could be inferred that the policy is effective.
• In all likelihood, she will succeed in her new role.
• If we assume that the data is accurate, the conclusions are clear.
• Suppose that delays occur — what would the contingency plan be?
• It could be argued that free education benefits society as a whole.
• This may suggest that there are underlying problems.
• Looking at recent trends, we might conclude that demand is rising.

These expressions help you sound objective, analytical, and academic — exactly what examiners want.

Final thought

Speculative language allows you to express ideas carefully and intelligently, without sounding too certain or too hesitant. It shows balance, logical thinking, and awareness of alternative possibilities — all key features of high-level English.

Practise these words and phrases in short opinion paragraphs, essay introductions, and speaking answers. With regular use, speculative language will quickly become a natural part of your everyday and exam English, helping you sound more fluent, confident, and advanced.

Learn modal verbs of speculation about the past here

Visit our bookshop for more