probably vs. perhaps vs. possibly
很多人误以为 probably、perhaps、possibly 都是 maybe 的同义字,意思都是「可能;或许」,但其实它们并不完全一样喔!主要差异在于指涉的发生机率不同。
Probably 很可能地
如果使用 probably 的话,通常是指有 50% 以上的发生机率。
Emma’s not picking up, so I think she‘s probably asleep.
Emma 都不接电话,所以我想她可能是睡着了。
We would probably stay at home during vacation due to COVID-19.
由于新冠肺炎,我们假期很可能会待在家。
Perhaps 或许
Perhaps 指涉的 发生机率大约等于 50%。
Harry Potter is perhaps the most successful young-adult novel ever published.
《哈利波特》或许是出版过最成功的青少年小说。
Perhaps it is not a good idea for 5-year-old kids to use smartphones.
让五岁的孩童使用智慧型手机或许不是个好点子。
Possibly 可能地
此字指涉的可能性更低,指事发机率低于 50%。
This is possibly the worst meal I’ve ever had.
这有可能是我吃过最难吃的一餐。
Nothing can possibly excuse him for such rude behavior.
没有任何理由可以原谅他如此无礼的行为。
除了以上介绍的三个单字,想学习更多有关「可能」的英文单字吗?点击 May 和 Might 傻傻分不清楚?快来弄懂箇中差异! ,带你认识 may 和 might!