546　possible，probable和likely

① possible可作定语或表语，指事实上有可能，有客观上的可能性。

Is it possible for you to take up the job？你有可能承担这项工作吗？

She is the only possible woman for the position. 她是担任这个职位的唯一合适人选。（合适的）

② probable指“很可能”，指有根据的、合理的或可信的事物，推理成分较重，可能性比possible大，可作定语或表语。

It's probable that you've mistaken his meaning. 你很可能误解他的意思了。

The probable cause of his failure was that he was too careless. 他失败的原因大概是太粗心。

③ likely指从外表，迹象进行判断可能性最大，可作定语或表语。

She is likely to succeed. 她极有可能成功。

He is a likely young artist. 他是一个很有希望的年轻艺术家。（有希望的）

Jim is a likely man for the job. 吉姆是做这项工作的合适人选。（合适的）

提示

①possible不可以人或this作主语，常用句型为：

It is possible（for sb.）to do sth.

It is possible+that 从句

②名词前有形容词或the only，the best，all，every 修饰时，possible 应放在名词后。

He has tried every means possible. 一切可能的方法他都试过。

③probable 也不可以人作主语，常用句型为：

It is probable that

It seems probable+that 从句

他似乎很可能在这里过夜。

It seems probable that he will stay here for the night.

He is probable to stay here for the night.

④likely可用人或物作主语。

他很可能承接那项工作。

It is likely that he will take up the job.

He is likely to take up the job.