① possible可作定語或表語,指事實上有可能,有客觀上的可能性。
Is it possible for you to take up the job?你有可能承擔這項工作嗎?
She is the only possible woman for the position. 她是擔任這個職位的唯一合適人選。(合適的)
② probable指“很可能”,指有根據(jù)的、合理的或可信的事物,推理成分較重,可能性比possible大,可作定語或表語。
It's probable that you've mistaken his meaning. 你很可能誤解他的意思了。
The probable cause of his failure was that he was too careless. 他失敗的原因大概是太粗心。
③ likely指從外表,跡象進行判斷可能性最大,可作定語或表語。
She is likely to succeed. 她極有可能成功。
He is a likely young artist. 他是一個很有希望的年輕藝術(shù)家。(有希望的)
Jim is a likely man for the job. 吉姆是做這項工作的合適人選。(合適的)
提示
①possible不可以人或this作主語,常用句型為:
It is possible(for sb.)to do sth.
It is possible+that 從句
②名詞前有形容詞或the only,the best,all,every 修飾時,possible 應(yīng)放在名詞后。
He has tried every means possible. 一切可能的方法他都試過。
③probable 也不可以人作主語,常用句型為:
It is probable that
It seems probable+that 從句
他似乎很可能在這里過夜。
It seems probable that he will stay here for the night.
He is probable to stay here for the night.
④likely可用人或物作主語。
他很可能承接那項工作。
It is likely that he will take up the job.
He is likely to take up the job.