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Question

I want to know the difference between 'probably' and 'possibly'? Any English native speaker can help?Martin

Philip · Accepted Answer

Probably = close to 90% at least
Possibly = less than 50%
These are approximate and not definitive.

Anonymous · Answer

probably = I sure | possibly = I can!

CalifJim · Answer

martinlee I want to know the difference between 'probably' and 'possibly'? Any English native speaker can help?Martin

'probably' is much more commonly used. It means 'more likely than not'.

I can probably help you solve that math problem because I did well in math when I was in school.
(The chance that I will succeed in helping you is much greater than the chance that I will fail.)

It's 12:30, so Jack is probably not in his office. He is probably at lunch.
(The chance that Jack is at lunch is much greater than the chance that he is in his office.)
_____________

'possibly' doesn't occur naturally in the same position as 'probably' in a sentence. The following are not idiomatic:

I can possibly help you solve that problem.
Jack is possibly not in his office.

We usually use the modals might, may, and sometimes could for this idea:

I might be able to help you solve that problem. ~ It is possible that I can help you solve that problem.
Jack might not be in his office. ~ It is possible that Jack is not in his office.

'possibly' can be used by itself as a substitute for 'maybe'.

— Will you be available at 9 am tomorrow for a meeting?
— Possibly. (Maybe.)

'can ... possibly' is used in questions and negatives. 'possibly' acts as an intensifier.

How can you possibly believe what Lucy said?
(How can there by any way that you can believe what Lucy said.)

You can't possibly know that!
(There is no way that you can know that!)
(It is impossible that you really know that!)

CJ

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