eble / certe

Maybe, Certainly, Probably

Level 3

These adverbs comment on the whole sentence, not on one word.

How It Works

AdverbMeaning
certecertainly, surely
komprenebleof course
verŝajneprobably
eblemaybe
verereally, truly

Most often the adverb opens the sentence: Eble ŝi venos morgaŭ. It may also sit inside the sentence: Mi eble vizitos Romon. A comma and a small pause are good after a freestanding adverb, but short common ones like eble, certe and kompreneble are often written without them.

Certe means that the speaker has no doubt. Eble means that it could be so or not. Verŝajne means that it is likely to be true. These words end in -e. The adjective forms, such as certa, describe a noun.

Examples (5)

  1. Eble ŝi venos morgaŭ.

    Maybe she will come tomorrow.

    Eble shows that the speaker is not sure.

  2. Certe Pedro helpos nin.

    Pedro will certainly help us.

    Certe shows that the speaker is sure.

  3. Verŝajne la kongreso estos granda.

    The congress will probably be big.

    Verŝajne shows a good chance.

  4. Kompreneble mi helpos vin, Amara.

    Of course I will help you, Amara.

    Kompreneble shows that this is obvious.

  5. Mi eble vizitos Romon.

    I may visit Rome.

    Eble can sit inside the sentence.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the adjective instead of the adverb.

    Verŝajna ŝi venos.
    Verŝajne ŝi venos.

    A comment on the whole sentence ends in -e. The -a ending describes a noun.

How It Connects

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

eble / certeLevel 3Maybe, Certainly, Probably

Learn This First

Sentence adverbs are adverbs that give your view of the whole sentence.

Learn Next

Patterns that build on this one.