① possible可作定語(yǔ)或表語(yǔ),指事實(shí)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(dān)這項(xiàng)工作嗎?
She is the only possible woman for the position. 她是擔(dān)任這個(gè)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(yǔ)或表語(yǔ)。
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(jìn)行判斷可能性最大,可作定語(yǔ)或表語(yǔ)。
She is likely to succeed. 她極有可能成功。
He is a likely young artist. 他是一個(gè)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(xiàng)工作的合適人選。(合適的)
提示
①possible不可以人或this作主語(yǔ),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(shí),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(guò)。
③probable 也不可以人作主語(yǔ),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(guò)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(yǔ)。
他很可能承接那項(xiàng)工作。
It is likely that he will take up the job.
He is likely to take up the job.