Thursday Tidbits -Probable, probably, likely...

Probable, probably, likely… 

There are often mistakes made by English language learners when using probable and probably related to their position in a sentence. Here is a quick explanation of how each is used as well as how to use likely, which is similar to probable andprobably.


Probable


Probable is always used with a verb “be” or other linking verbs like “seem” or “look.” It’s position is after the verb “be” or a linking verb. Here are some examples:

It is probable that he will arrive late. He always does.

The chances of it raining seem probable.

Probably

Probably is used to modify verbs in a sentence. It’s position is before the verb or in between the helping verb and principle verb. It is also generally used to express something that may happen in the future and is used with “will” (but not always). Here are some examples:

He probably works more than anyone in the company.

They will probably spend a lot of money in Las Vegas.

My friend can probably help you with your problem.

Likely

Likely is a common replacement of both probably and probable in the English language. It can be used as both an adjective as well as an adverb. The opposite is unlikely. Here are some examples:

It is likely that he will arrive late. (adjective)

It will likely rain this afternoon. (adverb)

They will likely spend a lot of money in Las Vegas. (adverb)

It is unlikely that Costa Rica will win the World Cup. (adjective)

Check yourself



Underline the correct word to properly complete the sentences. In some cases, both may be correct.
1. It is (probable / probably) that she will forget the appointment.
2. The team will (probably / likely) have a losing season.
3. He will (probable / probably) come to the party later.

4. It seems (likely, probably) that the test will be difficult.
5. The harder he tries, it is more and more (probably / probable) that he will succeed.
6. He is (likely / probably) looking for a new job.
7. I don’t think it is (probably / likely) that there will be a lot of people at the concert.
8. They can (probable / probably) fix the car before 3pm.

9. He is (likely / probable) tired from working too hard.
10. The fact that his cell phone doesn’t work is (probably / probable) due to the fact that the battery is dead.

 Answers to last week’s Check Yourself

1. He doesn’t usually watch those kind of television programs. _____those kinds of______

2. I don’t mind teaching that kind of children. _____these/those kinds of_____________
3. I’m afraid to listen to that kinds of stories. _____these/those kinds of_______
4. Most people think that kind of news is depressing. _______OK__________
5. He likes to fix these kinds of computer. ____this/that kind of_________
6. You shouldn’t throw way that kinds of food. __that kind of_________

7. The cat likes to chase those kinds of mice. _____OK_________
8. He’s looking to hire that kinds of co-workers. _______those/these kinds of_________
9. Most people have that kind of phones. ________these/those kinds of___________
10. I don’t like to talk to that kind of people. _________these/those kinds of_________