When it comes to choosing the right word to use in a sentence, many people often get confused between probable and possible. While both words may seem similar, they have different meanings that can significantly impact the message you are trying to convey. In this article, we will explore the differences between probable and possible, and when it is appropriate to use each of them.
Let’s define the two words. Probable refers to something that is likely to happen or be true, while possible refers to something that can happen or be true but is not certain. In other words, probable means that something is more likely to happen or be true than not, while possible means that something could happen or be true but there is no guarantee.
So, which of the two words is the proper word to use? Well, it depends on the context of the sentence. If you are trying to express that something is likely to happen or be true, then probable is the correct word to use. On the other hand, if you are trying to express that something could happen or be true but is not certain, then possible is the correct word to use.
Now that we have a better understanding of the difference between probable and possible, let’s dive deeper into when it is appropriate to use each of them. In the following sections, we will explore different scenarios where one word may be more appropriate than the other.
Define Probable
Probable refers to something that is likely to happen or be true based on available evidence or information. It indicates a higher degree of certainty than mere possibility, but falls short of being completely certain or guaranteed. In statistics, probable is often used to describe an outcome that has a high likelihood of occurring, but is not a sure thing.
For example, if a weather forecast predicts a 70% chance of rain, it means that rain is probable, but not guaranteed. Similarly, if a doctor diagnoses a patient with a probable case of a particular illness, it means that the symptoms and test results suggest that the patient likely has the illness, but further testing may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Define Posible
Possible, on the other hand, refers to something that could happen or be true, but is not necessarily likely or supported by evidence. It indicates a lower degree of certainty than probable, and can encompass a wide range of outcomes, from highly improbable to highly likely.
For example, winning the lottery is possible, but highly unlikely. Similarly, it is possible that aliens exist, but there is no concrete evidence to support the claim. In some contexts, possible can also be used to indicate a hypothetical or theoretical scenario that could occur under certain conditions, even if those conditions are unlikely to be met.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Using the right word in a sentence is crucial to ensure clear communication. The words probable and possible are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings that should be used properly. In this section, we will discuss how to use probable and possible in a sentence.
How To Use Probable In A Sentence
The word probable refers to something that is likely to happen or be true. It is often used to express a high degree of likelihood or certainty. Here are some examples of how to use probable in a sentence:
- It is probable that it will rain tomorrow.
- The probable cause of the accident was speeding.
- Based on the evidence, it is probable that the suspect committed the crime.
Notice how probable is used to express a high degree of likelihood or certainty. It is often used in situations where there is strong evidence or data to support the conclusion.
How To Use Posible In A Sentence
The word possible refers to something that can happen or be true. It is often used to express a lower degree of likelihood or uncertainty. Here are some examples of how to use possible in a sentence:
- It is possible that it will rain tomorrow, but it’s not certain.
- There are many possible causes of the accident, so we need to investigate further.
- It’s possible that the suspect is innocent, but we need more evidence to confirm.
Notice how possible is used to express a lower degree of likelihood or uncertainty. It is often used in situations where there is less evidence or data to support the conclusion.
Remember to use probable when you want to express a high degree of likelihood or certainty, and possible when you want to express a lower degree of likelihood or uncertainty. Using these words properly will help you communicate more clearly and effectively.
More Examples Of Probable & Posible Used In Sentences
In order to better understand the difference between probable and posible, it’s helpful to see them used in context. Here are some examples of how these words might be used in a sentence:
Examples Of Using Probable In A Sentence
- It’s probable that the company will see an increase in profits this quarter.
- The probable cause of the accident was a malfunctioning brake system.
- Based on the evidence, it’s probable that the suspect committed the crime.
- There’s a probable chance that it will rain tomorrow.
- It’s probable that the new product will be a success.
- There’s a probable link between stress and heart disease.
- The probable outcome of the election is still uncertain.
- It’s probable that the team will win the championship this year.
- The probable reason for the delay is a problem with the shipping company.
- It’s probable that the stock market will continue to rise.
Examples Of Using Posible In A Sentence
- It’s posible that the meeting will be postponed until next week.
- There are many posible solutions to the problem.
- It’s posible that the company will expand into new markets.
- There’s a posible connection between the two incidents.
- It’s posible that the project will be completed ahead of schedule.
- There’s a posible conflict of interest in this situation.
- It’s posible that the new policy will be implemented next year.
- There are several posible explanations for the discrepancy in the data.
- It’s posible that the company will merge with a competitor.
- There’s a posible risk of injury if the equipment is not used properly.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using the words probable and possible, many people tend to use them interchangeably, which can lead to confusion and misinterpretation. In this section, we will highlight some of the common mistakes people make when using these words and provide tips on how to avoid them in the future.
Using Probable And Possible Interchangeably
One of the most common mistakes people make is using probable and possible interchangeably. While both words refer to something that may happen, there is a subtle difference in their meanings.
Possible refers to something that can happen or exist, whereas probable refers to something that is likely to happen or exist based on available evidence or circumstances. For example:
- It is possible that it will rain tomorrow.
- It is probable that it will rain tomorrow based on the weather forecast.
Using these words interchangeably can lead to confusion and misinterpretation. For instance, if someone says, “It’s possible that I will attend the meeting,” it implies that there is a chance they might not attend. However, if they say, “It’s probable that I will attend the meeting,” it implies that they are likely to attend.
Tips To Avoid Mistakes
To avoid making these mistakes, it’s important to understand the subtle differences between probable and possible. Here are some tips:
- Use possible when referring to something that can happen or exist, and probable when referring to something that is likely to happen or exist based on available evidence or circumstances.
- Consider the context in which you are using the words. If you are unsure, use a different word or phrase that more accurately conveys your intended meaning.
- Always proofread your writing to ensure that you have used the correct word.
By following these tips, you can avoid using probable and possible interchangeably and ensure that your writing is clear and accurate.
Context Matters
When choosing between the words probable and posible, it is important to consider the context in which they are being used. The meaning of each word can change depending on the situation, and using the wrong word can lead to confusion or misinterpretation.
Examples Of Different Contexts:
- Scientific research: In scientific research, probable is often used to describe results that are likely to be true based on evidence and data. For example, a study might conclude that it is probable that a certain medication is effective in treating a particular condition based on the results of clinical trials. On the other hand, posible might be used to describe a hypothesis or theory that has not yet been proven. For example, a scientist might propose that it is posible that a certain type of bacteria is responsible for a particular disease, but further research is needed to confirm this.
- Legal proceedings: In legal proceedings, probable is often used to describe evidence that is convincing enough to establish guilt or liability. For example, a prosecutor might argue that there is probable cause to believe that a suspect committed a crime based on witness statements and physical evidence. Posible, on the other hand, might be used to describe a defense or argument that is not yet proven. For example, a defendant might argue that it is posible that someone else committed the crime, but this is just a theory at this point.
- Casual conversation: In casual conversation, probable and posible might be used interchangeably to describe something that is likely or possible. However, there may still be subtle differences in meaning depending on the context. For example, if someone says “it’s probable that I’ll be late for the meeting,” this implies that there are factors that make it likely they will be late, such as traffic or other obligations. If someone says “it’s posible that I’ll be late for the meeting,” this implies that there are factors that could make them late, but it’s not a sure thing.
Overall, the choice between probable and posible depends on the context in which they are being used. It’s important to consider the nuances of each word and choose the one that best conveys the intended meaning.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using probable and possible are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where the rules may not apply. Here are some examples:
1. Contextual Usage
In some contexts, probable and possible may have different meanings than what is typically expected. For instance, in legal contexts, probable refers to something that is more likely than not to occur, while possible refers to something that could theoretically happen but is not necessarily likely. In scientific contexts, possible may refer to something that is theoretically possible based on current knowledge, while probable refers to something that is supported by evidence and is more likely to be true.
Example:
- In a legal context, it is probable that the defendant committed the crime based on the evidence presented in court.
- In a scientific context, it is possible that life exists on other planets, but it is not yet probable based on current knowledge.
2. Regional Differences
There may be regional differences in the usage of probable and possible. For instance, in British English, probable is often used to mean likely, while possible is used to mean that something could happen but is not necessarily likely. In American English, both probable and possible are used to mean likely, but probable may be used to indicate a higher degree of likelihood.
Example:
- In British English, it is probable that it will rain tomorrow, while in American English, it is possible that it will rain tomorrow.
3. Idiomatic Expressions
There are some idiomatic expressions that use probable and possible in ways that do not follow the general rules. For instance, the phrase “more probable than not” is often used in legal contexts to indicate that something is more likely than not to be true, even though probable on its own would suggest a higher degree of likelihood.
Example:
- In a legal context, it is more probable than not that the defendant committed the crime based on the evidence presented in court.
Practice Exercises
To improve your understanding and use of probable and posible, here are some practice exercises:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Fill in the blank with either probable or posible:
- It is __________ that it will rain tomorrow.
- There is a __________ chance that I will be able to attend the meeting.
- It is __________ that the company will announce layoffs next month.
- There is a __________ explanation for the missing files.
- It is __________ that the team will win the championship this year.
Answer Key:
- probable
- possible
- probable
- possible
- probable
Exercise 2: Sentence Completion
Complete the following sentences with either probable or posible:
- It is __________ that the new product will be a success because…
- There is a __________ solution to the problem if we…
- It is __________ that the project will be completed on time if…
- There is a __________ explanation for the increase in sales if…
- It is __________ that the company will expand into new markets if…
Answer Key:
- probable, the market research indicates a high demand for the product.
- possible, we allocate more resources to the project.
- probable, we stick to the project timeline and budget.
- possible, we analyze the customer feedback and adjust our strategy accordingly.
- probable, we secure additional funding and hire more staff.
By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of probable and posible in sentences. Remember to consider the context and use the appropriate word to convey the intended meaning.
Conclusion
After exploring the differences between probable and possible, it is clear that these two words have distinct meanings that should be used appropriately in writing and conversation.
Key Takeaways
- Probable refers to something that is likely to happen, while possible refers to something that could happen but is not necessarily likely.
- Probable is often used in situations where there is evidence or a high degree of certainty, while possible is used when there is no evidence or a lower degree of certainty.
- It is important to use these words correctly to avoid confusion and miscommunication.
Overall, understanding the nuances of language and grammar is essential for effective communication. By continuing to learn and improve our language skills, we can better convey our thoughts and ideas to others.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.