Adverb of Probability

Adverbs of probability are used to show how sure we are about a situation or event. The most common adverbials of probability are:

definitely, certainly, clearly, obviously, possibly, perhaps, probably, maybe.

Perhaps and maybe are usually placed at the beginning of the clause:

Perhaps it will stop raining soon.
Maybe the rain will stop soon.

Adverbials of probability are usually placed in front of the main verb. However they come after the verb ‘be’.

definitely, certainly, clearly and obviously show that we are almost sure that something will happen:

We will definitely be there tomorrow.
She is certainly coming to the party.
It is clearly going to be wonderful weather tomorrow.
They are obviously late.

possibly, perhaps, probably, maybe show that we are less sure about something.

That is possibly the worst film I’ve ever seen.
I’ll probably go out tonight.

Lesson by EC Malta teacher Tristan, Learn English in Malta

Choose the correct sentence from the following:

• 1) Which is correct?
  Correct!
  
  He is perhaps too tired to come.
  
  Perhaps he is too tired to come.
  
  


• 2) Which is correct?
  Correct!
  
  Clearly she was very emotional.
  
  She was clearly very emotional.
  
  


• 3) Which is correct?
  Correct!
  
  I’m too busy tomorrow; could I possibly come the day after?
  
  I’m too busy tomorrow; could I come possibly the day after?
  
  


• 4) Which is correct?
  Correct!
  
  He has misunderstood obviously the instructions.
  
  He has obviously misunderstood the instructions.
  
  


• 5) Which is correct?
  Correct!
  
  They are certainly at home.
  
  They certainly are at home.
  
  


• 6) Which is correct?
  Correct!
  
  The message never arrived maybe.
  
  Maybe the message never arrived.
  
  

Related Page:

What Are Adverbs? ADVERBS OF TIME Adverb of Place Adverb of Manner Adverb of Degree Adverb of Frequency Adverb of Probability Adverb of Affirmation and Negation Adverb of Quality

Adverb of Reason Adverb of Duration Adverb of Conjunction Relative Adverbs Interrogative Adverbs Formation of Adverb Comparative and Superlative Adverbs Positive-Comparative-Superlative Adverbs of Certainty