Summary of "Transformation of Sentences | ICSE & ISC Grammar | Rules | Boards 2026"

Overview

This summary explains two sentence-transformation structures often tested in ICSE/ISC grammar, as taught by Arin Tucker (RN Tutorials):

Transformations that replace adverbs like probably/likely/certain with fixed phrases: “In all probability,” “In all likelihood,” “In all certainty.”
Transformations using “ought” to express obligation, including present/negative and perfect/past meanings.

When the original sentence contains words like probably, likely, or certain, begin the transformed sentence with one of these phrases:

Format and rules

Step-by-step

Examples

They will probably arrive late due to the traffic jam. → In all probability, they will arrive late due to the traffic jam.
The flight is likely delayed owing to the fog. → In all likelihood, the flight is delayed owing to the fog.
It is certain that the team will qualify for the finals. → In all certainty, the team will qualify for the finals.

Meaning: “ought” expresses obligation, duty, or what should be done.

Forms and how to transform

Present / general obligation (positive)
- Structure: ought to + base form (V1)
- Example: We should help the elderly. → We ought to help the elderly.
Present / general obligation (negative)
- Structure: ought not to + base form (V1)
- Example: You should not be late for the class. → You ought not to be late for the class.
Perfect / past meanings (positive)
- Structure: ought to have + past participle (V3)
- Example: They should have called before arriving. → They ought to have called before arriving.
Perfect / past meanings (negative)
- Structure: ought not to have + past participle (V3)
- Example: She should not have spoken so sharply. → She ought not to have spoken so sharply.

Quick reminder about verb forms

Always use a comma after the initial phrase (“In all probability,” etc.).
Always include correct punctuation (a full stop) at the end — missing punctuation can lose marks.
Do not repeat the replaced adverb (e.g., do not write “In all probability, … probably …”).

They will probably arrive late due to the traffic jam. → In all probability, they will arrive late due to the traffic jam.
She will probably win the competition because of her hard work. → In all probability, she will win the competition because of her hard work.
The flight is likely delayed owing to the fog. → In all likelihood, the flight is delayed owing to the fog.
It is certain that the team will qualify for the finals. → In all certainty, the team will qualify for the finals.
You should not be late for the class. → You ought not to be late for the class.
They should have called before arriving. → They ought to have called before arriving.
We should help the elderly. → We ought to help the elderly.
She should not have spoken so sharply. → She ought not to have spoken so sharply.
He should have worn a helmet while riding. → He ought to have worn a helmet while riding.