ola bilsin ki
Possible Clause with Ola Bilsin Ki
Ola bilsin ki is a formal and structured way to say 'maybe' or 'it is possible that.' It introduces a subordinate clause and is used when the speaker is speculating or uncertain about a fact or future event.
How It Works
The construction ola bilsin ki is a sophisticated way to express possibility in Azerbaijani. It can function in two distinct grammatical ways:
1. As a Complement Clause Head:
When followed by ki, it creates a complex sentence. The following verb can be in the indicative (for facts/plans) or the subjunctive (for tentative possibilities).
2. As a Parenthetical Word (Ara söz):
Without ki, ola bilsin acts as a mobile adverbial phrase. In this form, it is set off by commas and can appear at the beginning, middle, or end of the sentence (e.g., O, ola bilsin, gələcək). Both the 'ki' version and the parenthetical version are perfectly correct in formal writing.
3. The Negative Counterpart:
To express impossibility, use ola bilməz ki (it cannot be that). This form strongly suggests that a situation is logically or practically impossible and frequently triggers the subjunctive mood (-sın/-sin) for future-oriented statements.
4. Register and Nuance:
This pattern is more formal than bəlkə. It suggests a reasoned speculation rather than a simple 'maybe.' It is less certain than ehtimal ki but more objective than deyəsən.
Examples (5)
- Ola bilsin ki, qatar bir az geciksin.
It is possible that the train might be a little late.
Word by Word: Possible be that, train one little delay-let.
Here, the subjunctive mood (geciksin) is used to express a tentative future possibility.
- Biz, ola bilsin, bu məsələdə yanılırıq.
We, possibly, are mistaken in this matter.
Word by Word: We, possible be, this matter-in are-mistaken.
This shows 'ola bilsin' as a mobile parenthetical word placed in the middle of the sentence, using the present tense.
- Ola bilməz ki, o, artıq şəhəri tərk edib.
It is impossible that he has already left the city.
Word by Word: Possible be-not that, he already city-acc leave did.
The negative form 'ola bilməz ki' expresses impossibility, here paired with the reported past.
- Ola bilsin ki, sabah iclas təxirə salınacaq.
It is possible that tomorrow's meeting will be postponed.
Word by Word: Possible be that, tomorrow meeting postponement will-be-put.
The definite future tense is used here to indicate a likely upcoming event.
- Ola bilməz ki, o, bu sirri hamıya desin.
It is impossible that he would tell this secret to everyone.
Word by Word: Possible be-not that, he this secret-acc everyone-to say-let.
When expressing strong impossibility about a behavior or future action, the negative 'ola bilməz ki' often licenses the subjunctive mood.
Common Mistakes
Redundant use of 'bəlkə' with 'ola bilsin'.
Different MeaningBəlkə ola bilsin ki, o gələcək.Ola bilsin ki, o gələcək.Using both 'bəlkə' (maybe) and 'ola bilsin' (it is possible) in the same sentence is redundant. Choose one to express possibility.
Leaving out the comma when 'ki' is dropped.
Ola bilsin o gəlməyəcək.Ola bilsin, o gəlməyəcək.'Ki' is not required after 'ola bilsin'. Without 'ki', the phrase acts as a parenthetical word (ara söz) and should be followed by a comma.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand 'ola bilsin ki', learners need to be familiar with how the conjunction 'ki' links clauses. Additionally, they must understand the use of the third-person imperative/subjunctive suffix (-sın) which often appears in the following clause to denote uncertainty, and the underlying 'bilmək' (ability) construction that forms the basis of the expression.
- ki (tamamlıq cümləsi)Complement Clause with Ki
The pattern 'ola bilsin ki' functions as a matrix clause that introduces a complement clause using the conjunction 'ki'.
Level 5 - -sın/-sin/-sun/-sünThird-person Imperative
The clause following 'ola bilsin ki' typically requires the subjunctive (optative-imperative) mood to express possibility.
Level 2 - -(y)a/-(y)ə bilməkAbility with Bilmək
The phrase 'ola bilsin' is a fossilized form of the verb 'olmaq' (to be) combined with the ability auxiliary 'bilmək'.
Level 2
Related Patterns
- ehtimal kiProbable Possibility Ehtimal Ki
Similar structure, but 'ehtimal ki' suggests a higher degree of probability (it is likely) compared to the neutral possibility of 'ola bilsin ki'.
Level 5 - mümkündür kiFormal Possibility Clause
A more literal way to say 'it is possible that,' often used for physical or logical possibility.
Level 5 - deyəsənTentative Inference Deyəsən
A parenthetical word meaning 'apparently' or 'it seems,' used for inferences based on observation rather than general possibility.
Level 5 - güman kiSuppositional Stance Güman Ki
Another modal phrase meaning 'presumably' or 'in all likelihood,' sitting between possibility and probability.
Level 5
Words in This Pattern
Practice ola bilsin ki in Bubblegum
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