kemungkinan bahawa

The Possibility That

Level 5

Kemungkinan bahawa translates to "The possibility that..." or "It is possible that..." It is a formal way to frame a complete thought as a hypothetical or uncertain event.

How It Works

The expression kemungkinan bahawa is a sophisticated structure primarily found in formal Standard Malay (Bahasa Melayu Baku).

1. Morphological Breakdown:
The word kemungkinan is formed by applying the ke-...-an circumfix to the root mungkin (possible). This transforms the adjective into an abstract noun. The word bahawa acts as a bridge (complementizer) to the following statement.

2. Grammatical Function:
Unlike the simple adverb mungkin (maybe), which modifies a verb, kemungkinan bahawa creates a noun phrase. This phrase can serve as:

  • The Subject: Kemungkinan bahawa dia akan menang adalah tinggi. (The possibility that he will win is high.)
  • The Object: Kita tidak boleh menolak kemungkinan bahawa... (We cannot reject the possibility that...)

3. Qualification and Scale:
Because it is a noun phrase, you can add adjectives to describe the degree of likelihood:

  • Kemungkinan besar bahawa... (A great/high possibility that...)
  • Kemungkinan kecil bahawa... (A small/slim possibility that...)
  • Ada kemungkinan bahawa... (There is a possibility that...)

4. Register:
This is a high-level pattern used in journalism, academic writing, and official reports. In casual conversation, speakers usually prefer mungkin or boleh jadi.

Examples (4)

  1. Ada kemungkinan bahawa projek itu akan ditangguhkan.

    There is a possibility that the project will be delayed.

    Word by Word: There-is possibility that project that will be delayed.

    Uses 'ada' to state the existence of the possibility.

  2. Kemungkinan besar bahawa hujan lebat akan berterusan sehingga malam.

    It is highly possible that the heavy rain will continue until tonight.

    Word by Word: Possibility big that rain heavy will continue until night.

    The adjective 'besar' (big) is used here to mean 'highly likely'.

  3. Pihak polis tidak menolak kemungkinan bahawa suspek telah melarikan diri.

    The police do not rule out the possibility that the suspect has already fled.

    Word by Word: Side police not reject possibility that suspect already run self.

    A common formal journalistic phrase where the possibility is the object of the verb 'menolak' (to reject/rule out).

  4. Kemungkinan bahawa dia terlibat dalam kes ini sedang disiasat.

    The possibility that he is involved in this case is being investigated.

    Word by Word: Possibility that he involved in case this progressive be-investigated.

    Here, the entire 'kemungkinan bahawa' phrase acts as the subject of the sentence.

Common Mistakes

  • Leaving out the linker 'bahawa' in very formal writing.

    Different MeaningKemungkinan dia akan datang adalah kecil.
    Kemungkinan bahawa dia akan datang adalah kecil.

    Both forms are correct. In careful formal writing, 'bahawa' is often added to mark where the clause after 'kemungkinan' begins, but it can be left out.

  • Using 'kemungkinan' as an adverb instead of a noun.

    Dia kemungkinan sakit hari ini.
    Dia mungkin sakit hari ini.

    'Kemungkinan' is a noun (possibility). To say 'He is possibly sick,' you should use the adverb 'mungkin'.

How It Connects

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

kemungkinan bahawaLevel 5The Possibility That

Learn This First

To understand 'kemungkinan bahawa', a learner must first be familiar with the root 'mungkin' (possible) and how it is transformed into the abstract noun 'kemungkinan' (possibility) using the ke-...-an circumfix. Additionally, they must understand how 'bahawa' functions as a complementizer to link this noun to a specific proposition or statement.

Words in This Pattern

kemungkinanbahawa