-ması ehtimalı
Possibility-of-event Nominalization
The pattern [Subject]-ın [Verb]-ması ehtimalı translates to 'the probability of [subject] [verb]-ing.' It is used in formal, academic, or journalistic contexts to quantify how likely an event is.
How It Works
The construction -ması ehtimalı is the standard way to discuss risks and forecasts in Azerbaijani. It functions as a synthetic noun phrase that can serve as the subject or object of a sentence.
1. Structure:
- Definite Subject: If the subject is specific, it takes the genitive case (e.g., xəstənin sağalması ehtimalı - the probability of [the specific] patient's recovery).
- Indefinite Subject: If the subject is general or indefinite, it remains in the nominative case (e.g., qar yağması ehtimalı - the probability of snow falling).
- Verb: Uses the verbal noun suffix followed by the 3rd person singular possessive suffix.
- Head Noun: The word ehtimal (probability) also takes a 3rd person possessive suffix (ehtimalı).
2. General Probability:
For general probabilities without a specific subject, the infinitive form is used: -maq ehtimalı (e.g., qalib gəlmək ehtimalı - the probability of winning).
3. Negation:
To express the probability of an event not occurring, the negation suffix -ma/-mə is added before the verbal noun suffix, resulting in -maması/-məməsi ehtimalı.
4. Usage:
Unlike the analytical ehtimal ki, this nominalized form is usually followed by a predicate that evaluates the degree of probability, such as yüksəkdir (is high), azdır (is low), or yoxdur (is non-existent).
5. Register:
This pattern is highly formal, common in news and official reports. In casual conversation, speakers often prefer ola bilsin ki.
Examples (4)
- Qiymətlərin kəskin şəkildə artması ehtimalı olduqca yüksəkdir.
The probability of prices rising sharply is quite high.
Word by Word: Prices' sharp way rising probability quite high-is.
Here, 'Qiymətlərin' is the genitive subject, and 'artması ehtimalı' forms the core probability phrase.
- Onun bu vəzifəyə təyin edilməsi ehtimalı yoxdur.
There is no probability of him being appointed to this position.
Word by Word: His this position-to appointed being probability non-existent-is.
This example shows the pattern used with a passive verb ('təyin edilməsi') to indicate zero likelihood.
- Xəstəliyin yenidən baş qaldırması ehtimalı həkimləri narahat edir.
The probability of the disease resurfacing worries the doctors.
Word by Word: Disease's again head raising probability doctors-acc worry does.
In this sentence, the entire probability phrase acts as the subject of the verb 'narahat edir' (worries).
- Biz bu riskin baş verməsi ehtimalını nəzərə almalıyıq.
We must take into account the probability of this risk occurring.
Word by Word: We this risk's head giving probability-acc consideration take-must.
Note that 'ehtimalı' takes the accusative case suffix '-nı' because it is the direct object of the verb phrase 'nəzərə almaq'.
Common Mistakes
Both are correct; the genitive makes the subject a particular accident.
Different MeaningBir qəzanın baş verməsi ehtimalı həmişə var.Qəza baş verməsi ehtimalı həmişə var.'Bir qəzanın baş verməsi ehtimalı həmişə var' is correct. When the subject is general (an accident in general), the nominative 'Qəza' is also common. Use the genitive when you point to a particular accident.
Omitting the possessive suffix on the verbal noun when a specific subject is present.
Onun gəlmə ehtimalı yoxdur.Onun gəlməsi ehtimalı yoxdur.When a specific subject is mentioned (like 'onun'), the verbal noun normally takes the possessive suffix '-si' to link it to that subject. Short forms without it, such as 'baş vermə ehtimalı', also occur in general statements.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand '-ması ehtimalı', a learner must first be comfortable with verbal nouns (nominalization) and how they take possessive suffixes. Additionally, since this pattern functions as a noun phrase, knowledge of the genitive-possessive relationship is essential to link the event to the concept of 'probability'.
Related Patterns
- ehtimal kiProbable Possibility Ehtimal Ki
A less formal way to say 'it is probable that...', using a subordinate clause instead of a nominalized phrase.
Level 5 - ola bilsin kiPossible Clause with Ola Bilsin Ki
A common conversational alternative meaning 'it is possible that...'.
Level 5 - Genitive-possessive noun phrase
The underlying grammatical structure (Genitive-Possessive) that this pattern relies on.
Level 2 - nəzərə alaraqConsidering Clause with Nəzərə Alaraq
Often used alongside this pattern when discussing 'considering the probability' of something.
Level 5 - -malı/-məli (ehtimal)Inferential Probability with -malı/-məli
Another way to express probability, but focusing on logical inference (must be/should be) rather than a noun-based likelihood.
Level 5
Words in This Pattern
Practice -ması ehtimalı in Bubblegum
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