ang posibilidad na/-ng

The Possibility That

Level 5

ang posibilidad na is a formal way to discuss a specific possibility as a noun. It links the word 'posibilidad' (possibility) to a full statement using the linker na. Note that because 'posibilidad' ends in a consonant, it only uses 'na' and never the '-ng' suffix.

How It Works

In Filipino, ang posibilidad na functions as a head noun followed by a complement clause.

1. Structure and Linker Rule:
The phrase consists of the noun posibilidad followed by the linker na. Because posibilidad ends in the consonant 'd', it always uses the standalone word na. The suffix -ng is never used with this specific word.

2. Existential Use:
While it can be the subject of a sentence, it is most commonly used with may to mean 'There is a possibility that...'. This construction allows for a more natural way to introduce a potential event.

3. Register and Casual Alternatives:
This pattern is primarily found in formal, academic, or journalistic contexts. In casual conversation, Filipinos are much more likely to use the particle yata, the pseudo-verb puwede, or the very common adverb baka (maybe/might).

4. Grammatical Role:
Because it is a noun phrase, it can be modified by adjectives (e.g., malaking posibilidad - great possibility) and can be placed in different parts of the sentence using case markers like ang (subject) or ng (object).

Examples (5)

  1. May posibilidad na umulan mamayang hapon.

    There is a possibility that it will rain later this afternoon.

    Word by Word: There-is possibility that rain later afternoon.

    This uses the existential 'may' to state that the possibility exists, which is the most common way to use this pattern.

  2. Malaki ang posibilidad na manalo ang ating koponan.

    There is a great possibility that our team will win.

    Word by Word: Great the possibility that win the our team.

    Here, 'posibilidad' is the subject, modified by 'malaki' (great/big).

  3. Pinag-aaralan nila ang posibilidad na magkaroon ng bagyo.

    They are studying the possibility that a typhoon will occur.

    Word by Word: Are-studying they the possibility that have a typhoon.

    In this sentence, the possibility is the object of the verb 'pinag-aaralan' (studying).

  4. Maliit lamang ang posibilidad na magbago ang kaniyang desisyon.

    The possibility that his decision will change is only small.

    Word by Word: Small only the possibility that change the his decision.

    This uses 'lamang' (only) to emphasize how slim the chance is.

  5. May malaking posibilidad na maantala ang ating biyahe.

    There is a big possibility that our trip will be delayed.

    Word by Word: There-is big-linker possibility that be-delayed the our trip.

    Combines the existential 'may' with an adjective modifier for the noun 'posibilidad'.

Common Mistakes

  • Omitting the linker 'na' between the noun and the clause.

    Maliit ang posibilidad siya ay darating.
    Maliit ang posibilidad na siya ay darating.

    In Filipino, you must use a linker to connect a noun to the clause that describes it.

  • Using the suffix '-ng' instead of the word 'na'.

    ang posibilidadng uulan
    ang posibilidad na uulan

    The linker '-ng' is only attached to words ending in vowels or 'n'. Since 'posibilidad' ends in 'd', you must use 'na'.

How It Connects

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

ang posibilidad na/-ngLevel 5The Possibility That

Learn This First

To understand 'ang posibilidad na/-ng', you need to be familiar with how the linker 'na/-ng' connects nouns to modifiers or clauses, and how the marker 'ang' identifies the subject of a sentence. It functions similarly to other abstract noun constructions like 'the fact that' or 'the news that'.

Words in This Pattern

posibilidad