Making predictions

A prediction is a statement about a particular subject which is related to a prior condition being fulfilled. It is a special kind of inference in which we tell in advance what we think will happen in the future. It is therefore impossible to predict without having any knowledge of an existing condition. By examining existing data, a logical conclusion can often be logically drawn about what is likely to happen next. Predictions of results based on existing conditions can be expressed as different levels of certainty. They are not absolute, and can change according to context. For example:

1. Certainty (100%) can be expressed by:

will (definitely, certainly) certain, sure

without a doubt, without question

2. Probability (75% - 90%) can be expressed by:

probable, probably (75%)

likely (75%)

most probable, most probably,

highly probable, most likely,

highly likely (90%)

3. Possibility can be expressed by:

may (not), might (not), can, could, possible, possibly, perhaps

4. Improbability (25%, 10%) can be expressed by:

improbable, unlikely (25%) doubtful, questionable (25%) probably not (25%) most/highly improbable/

unlikely (10%) most/highly doubtful/

questionable (10%) most probably not 10%

5. Impossibility (0%) can be expressed by:

a. present or future

cannot, could not

not possible, impossible

b. past

could not

not possible, impossible

When a necessary condition exists in a process, the following

expressions are used:

For Y to occur/happen/take place { X must be present or there must be Y

Y depends on X

In a condition-prediction relationship, the statement of condition is

preceded by if no matter to what degree of certainty the prediction is

expressed.

Also the verb tenses are important to note because a distinction between

the statement of condition which is made in the present must relate to

the events of the prediction which will happen in the future.

Example

1. At the rate computer technology is growing, today's computers might be obsolete by 1985 and most certainly by 1990.

CONDITION PREDICTION

At the rate computer today's computers might

technology is growing, be obsolete by 1985 and

most certainly by 1990.

2. If we couldn't feed information in and get results back, computers
wouldn't be of much use.

CONDITION PREDICTION

If we couldn't feed computers wouldn't be of

information in and get much use.

results back,

3. If the hammer in drum printers hits a little early or late, the
characters will appear slightly above or below the line.

CONDITION PREDICTION

If the hammer in drum the characters will appear

printers hits a little early slightly above or below the

or late line.

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Exercise 1

Read the following sentences and underline the part that expresses a condition, once; and the part expressing a prediction, twice.

1. It has been said that if transport technology had developed as rapidly as computer technology, a trip across the Atlantic Ocean today would take a few seconds.

2. Working for the U.S. Census Bureau, Dr. Hollerith realized that unless some means of speeding up the analyses of census data were found, it would take more than ten years to complete the job.

3. If the hammer in train printers hits a little early or late, the character will appear slightly to the right of its proper position.

4. Mainframes would still be occupying a lot of space if it weren't for microminiaturization.

5. If computer technology continues growing at the rate it has, bubble memory will soon replace the chip.

SECTION 8

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