probably
Use “probably” when a situation has a high possibility of happening. There’s a high chance or a high likelihood.
- It’s probably going to rain. (future)
- He’s probably here right now. (present)
- She probably woke up late this morning. (past)
You can use “probably” for situations in the past, present, or future.
a. "Probably" is often used for future situations.
- We will probably need to bring our hats and gloves.
- Jeff is probably going to be late.
- I’m probably not going to be at rehearsal tomorrow.
- This repair is probably going to be very expensive.
- They’ll probably finish the work by next week.
- Biden will probably win the election.
- I’ll probably see you tomorrow.
- Bob probably won’t come to school tomorrow.
Use “probably” when there’s a strong possibility that something will happen. It’s 70, 80, 90 percent possible.
- He’s probably going to go to prison for his crimes.
- He’ll probably get at least ten years in prison.
- He’ll probably be released from prison early if his behavior is good.
b. "Probably" can be used for present situations.
- He’s probably sick.
- This watermelon is probably no good.
- You probably have a bad battery that needs to be replaced.
- They’re probably here by now. Let’s go see.
- This is probably not the best time to take a break. We have to keep on working.
- This old radio probably doesn’t work.
- A: What’s making all that noise?
- B: You probably need a new bottom bracket on your bike.
c. "Probably" can also be used for past situations.
- The people in the plane crash were probably terrified before they died.
- He probably needed to get some gas.
- Mario was probably having a heart attack, but he didn’t know it.
- Those kids probably would have been killed in the accident if they hadn’t been wearing seatbelts.
- That was probably the best decision you ever made.
- The people who lived in this area 10,000 years ago probably didn’t know how to farm.
- He was probably late this morning.
- His boss was probably mad.