potser

Potser with Indicative Versus Explicit Possibility

Level 6

Potser normally combines with indicative; és possible que introduces subjunctive.

How It Works

Potser vindrà expresses uncertainty through an adverb while leaving the clause in indicative. És possible que vingui expresses possibility through a predicate selecting a subjunctive complement. Both can describe a similar likelihood without sharing the same grammar.

The indicative after potser can be present, future or past according to the intended time: potser és a casa, potser vindrà, potser ja ha arribat. Do not replace those forms with subjunctive merely because maybe sounds uncertain.

Spell potser as one word for the adverb. Pot ser as two words contains the verb poder plus ser, as in pot ser difícil or pot ser que vingui. That distinction helps identify which structure licenses the following mood.

Examples (3)

  1. Potser vindrà demà.

    Maybe she will come tomorrow.

  2. És possible que vingui demà.

    It is possible that she will come tomorrow.

  3. Potser ja ha arribat.

    Maybe he has already arrived.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

potserLevel 6Potser with Indicative Versus Explicit Possibility

Learn This First

Recognize an asserted belief even when the speaker is uncertain. Identify the nonasserted proposition before choosing its subjunctive form.

Words in This Pattern

potser