Expressing Possibility and Impossibility in English

Introduction

Expressing possibility is frequent in English. Whether we’re considering potential outcomes, reflecting about future events, or simply expressing uncertainty, the concept of possibility finds its way into countless conversations.

This article explores different ways in which possibility and impossibility are expressed in the English language.

Let’s start by understanding what the term possibility means and how it differs from probability!

What Does Possibility Mean?

What is the difference between possibility and probability?

In simpler terms, possibility is when there is a chance that something may happen or be true while probability is the likelihood of something happening or being true:

Example:

• “Until yesterday, the project was just a possibility, but now it has become a real probability.”
  • ==> It will likely happen.

Expressing Possibility in English

In English, we talk about possibilities using various phrases and structures. Some common ways include:

• Using modal verbs like “can,” “could,” “might,” “may,” and “would,”
• Using Phrases like “it’s possible that,” “there’s a chance,” “it could happen,” “it might be,” and “it may be possible.”
• Using adverbs like “possibly” and “perhaps” to indicate possibility in sentences.

These linguistic tools help convey degrees of likelihood or uncertainty about potential events or outcomes.

Expressing Possibility Using Modals

Modal verbs are a key tool for expressing possibility in English. These verbs, such as “can,” “could,” “might,” “may,” and “would,” convey different degrees of likelihood or capability.

• “She can solve the puzzle easily.”
• “We could go to the concert if we finish our work early.”
• “She might buy some presents for the family before she goes.”
• “It might snow tomorrow, so bring a jacket just in case.”
• “My grandmother may travel alone.”
• She will take an umbrella as it could rain heavily there.
• “You may need to bring your passport for the trip.”
• “I would help you move next weekend if I didn’t have plans.”

Expressing Possibility Using Phrases Like “It’s Possible That,” and “There’s a Chance,” Etc.

In addition to modal verbs, various phrases help express possibility in English. These phrases often add nuance or emphasis to statements about likelihood:

1. It’s possible that: “It’s possible that the meeting will be rescheduled due to the CEO’s absence.”
2. There’s a chance: “There’s a chance we’ll see the northern lights if the sky clears up tonight.”
3. “It could happen that we find a solution to the problem before the deadline.”
4. “It might be a good idea to call ahead and make a reservation.”
5. “It may be possible to extend the deadline if we provide a valid reason.”
6. “It’s possible that someone will meet her at the airport.”
7. There’s a chance she’ll like the city.
8. “I suppose she might spend a lot of money on the presents.”

Expressing Possibility Using Adverbs

Talking about possibility using adverbs involves adding subtle nuances to statements to convey varying degrees of uncertainty or likelihood. Adverbs such as “possibly,” “perhaps,” “likely,” “probably,” and “potentially” help to qualify statements about what could happen.

Here are some examples:

• “Maybe she will make the trip alone.”
• “Perhaps she will visit London.”
• “Possibly, she will go by plane.”
• “It’s possibly going to rain later, so bring an umbrella just in case.”
• “Perhaps we could meet for lunch next week if our schedules align.”
• “It’s likely that the project will be completed ahead of schedule due to the efficient team.”
• “The package will probably arrive by Friday, but there’s a slight chance of delay.”
• “Potentially, this new strategy could lead to increased sales and profitability for the company.”

Expressing impossibility

In English, we convey the notion of impossibility through a range of linguistic tools, utilizing negated modals, phrases, and verbs alongside adverbs to emphasize the lack of feasibility or probability. Common methods involve employing modal verbs like “can’t” or “couldn’t” to signify the absence of capability, as well as negating phrases such as “there’s no way,” “it’s out of the question,” “it’s not possible,” “it’s inconceivable,” or “it’s beyond belief.” These techniques serve to underscore the absolute unlikelihood or impossibility of a given event or outcome.

Negating Modals:

Negating modal verbs is a common way to express impossibility in English. By adding “not” to modal verbs like “can,” “could,” “might,” “may,” and “would,” speakers emphasize the lack of ability or likelihood for something to occur.

Here are some examples:

• “I can’t fly without wings”
• “She couldn’t have finished the task already.”
• “We may not be able to travel by car.”
• “Even a good mechanic can’t possibly fix it.”

Negating Phrases:

Negating phrases provides straightforward ways to convey impossibility in English. Phrases such as “there’s no way,” “it’s out of the question,” “it’s not possible,” “it’s inconceivable,” and “it’s beyond belief” explicitly state the impossibility of a situation.

Here are some examples:

• “There’s no way we’ll finish in time”
• “It’s out of the question to travel without a passport.”
• “No, it’s impossible to repair that old Chevrolet.”
• “There’s no chance my father will repair it tomorrow.”
• “It’s impossible to turn back time”
• “It’s inconceivable that she would betray us.”

Negating Verbs Attached to Adverbs:

When expressing impossibility in English, one effective method is to negate sentences containing adverbs like “perhaps,” “possibly,” “maybe,” etc. By adding a negation to these adverbial constructions, we emphasize the lack of likelihood or feasibility of a particular event or outcome.

Here are some examples:

1. “Perhaps not everyone will agree with the proposal.”
2. “Possibly the guests will not be able to attend the event.”
3. “Maybe not every detail of the plan has been considered.”
4. “It’s unlikely that the project will be completed ahead of schedule.”
5. “It’s unlikely we’ll find a solution to the problem overnight.”
6. “The news isn’t necessarily true. No mainstream media have confirmed it!”
7. “It’s not likely that the price will decrease despite the increase in supply.”

Conclusion

Expressing possibility in English is frequent in everyday conversations. Understanding how to talk about what could happen or might not happen adds depth and clarity to communication.

Whether through the use of modal verbs, phrases indicating probability or uncertainty, or negating adverbial constructions, mastering the language of possibility enables you to convey your thoughts, intentions, and expectations effectively.

Related Pages:

• More speaking lessons
• English practice exercises, quizzes, tests