How would you describe the likelihood of traffic delays?

The selection of “were probably held” as the answer effectively conveys the idea that delays in traffic are a possibility. It suggests that there may have been reasons causing the traffic situation to be slower than usual, hinting at the common occurrence of delays without outright stating them as a certainty.

This phrasing allows for an uncertainty that matches the typical experiences of drivers faced with potential delays due to various factors, such as road conditions or accidents. It reflects a realistic view of traffic situations, where the likelihood of being held up is influenced by numerous, often unpredictable factors.

In contrast, the other choices fail to accurately describe the concept of likelihood regarding traffic delays. While “would probably be smooth” suggests a lack of delays, “were maybe caused” and “were likely delayed” do not present a coherent or complete depiction of traffic situations. Thus, “were probably held” stands out as the most appropriate and contextual option for articulating the likelihood of traffic delays.