【精英翻譯】的部落格

【多益混淆字】likely、probable、possible 和 maybe，都是「可能」哪裡不一樣？

精英翻譯社轉自https://www.ivy.com.tw/column/cont/2021081617053598407?utm_source=udn&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=article&utm_term=joyce

likely (a.) 可能的

有兩種用法：

It is likely that...  很可能…

• It is likely that the plan will fail.
• 很可能這個計畫會失敗。

主詞 + be likely to V ⋯⋯ 可能會…

• The plan is likely to fail.
• 該計劃可能會失敗。

probable (a.) 可能的

只有一種用法：

It is probable that... 很可能…

• It is probable that the plan will fail.
• 很可能該計劃會失敗。

• 沒有 sb/sth is probable to... 的用法哦！

possible (a.) 可能的

有兩種用法：

It is possible that...  可能…

• It is possible that the plan will fail.
• 該計劃可能會失敗。

It is possible for sb to V  某人有可能…

• It is possible that Peter will change his mind.

       = It is possible for Peter to change his mind.

• 彼得有可能會改變念頭。

• 沒有 sb/sth is possible to 的用法哦！

maybe (adv.) 也許

• maybe 和 perhaps 一樣，都是要放在句首的副詞哦！

• Maybe the plan will fail.

       = Perhaps the plan will fail.

• 也許該計劃會失敗。

總整理～

表達「可能」，你可以說：

It is likely / possible / probable that...

It is possible for sb to V

sth/sb is likely to...

Maybe... / Perhaps...