es probable que + Subjunctive
Subjunctive with Probability
'Es probable que' + subjunctive is used to say 'It's probable/likely that...'
How It Works
In Spanish, the subjunctive mood is used to express ideas that are not objective facts, such as doubts, wishes, emotions, and possibilities. The phrase 'es probable que' falls into this category because it states a likelihood, not a certainty.
The structure is always the same:
- Es probable que + a verb in the present subjunctive.
This contrasts with expressions of certainty like 'es verdad que' (it's true that) or 'es cierto que' (it's certain that), which are followed by the indicative mood because they state facts.
Certainty (Indicative):
Es cierto que llueve mucho aquí. (It's certain that it rains a lot here.)
Probability (Subjunctive):
Es probable que llueva mañana. (It's probable that it will rain tomorrow.)
Examples (5)
- Es probable que llueva esta tarde.
It's probable that it will rain this afternoon.
Word by Word: Is probable that it rains this afternoon.
- Es probable que el paquete llegue la próxima semana.
It's likely that the package will arrive next week.
Word by Word: Is probable that the package arrives the next week.
- Es probable que no tengamos clase el viernes.
It's probable that we won't have class on Friday.
Word by Word: Is probable that not we have class the Friday.
- Si no estudias, es probable que suspendas el examen.
If you don't study, it's likely that you will fail the exam.
Word by Word: If not you study, is probable that you fail the exam.
- Es probable que la tienda ya esté cerrada.
It's probable that the store is already closed.
Word by Word: Is probable that the store already is closed.
Common Mistakes
Using the indicative mood instead of the subjunctive.
Es probable que él viene a la fiesta.Es probable que él venga a la fiesta.The phrase 'es probable que' expresses uncertainty, not a fact. Therefore, it must be followed by the subjunctive mood ('venga'), not the indicative ('viene').
How It Connects
Learn This First
To use 'es probable que + subjunctive', you first need to understand the impersonal structure 'es + adjective + que'. You must be familiar with the present tense of 'ser' and, most importantly, you must know how to form the present subjunctive, as this expression triggers the subjunctive mood to indicate that the action is a probability rather than a confirmed fact.
Related Patterns
- dudo que + SubjunctiveSubjunctive with Doubt
Both express a lack of certainty. 'Dudo que' (I doubt that) is a personal expression of doubt, while 'es probable que' is an impersonal expression of probability. Both trigger the subjunctive.
Level 3 - no creo que + SubjunctiveSubjunctive with Disbelief
This expresses disbelief or subjective uncertainty, similar to 'es probable que'. It contrasts with 'creo que' (I believe that), which uses the indicative. This helps reinforce the certainty vs. uncertainty distinction for mood choice.
Level 3 - -e/-es/-e/-emos/-éis/-enPresent Subjunctive -AR
This is the conjugation pattern for -AR verbs in the present subjunctive. You need to know these endings to correctly use 'es probable que' with -AR verbs.
Level 3 - -a/-as/-a/-amos/-áis/-anPresent Subjunctive -ER/-IR
This is the conjugation pattern for -ER and -IR verbs in the present subjunctive. You need to know these endings to correctly use 'es probable que' with these verbs.
Level 3 - esté/estés/esté/estemos/esténSubjunctive of Estar
This is the irregular subjunctive form of 'estar', a very common verb. You'll need it for sentences like 'Es probable que él esté cansado' (It's probable that he is tired).
Level 3
Words in This Pattern
Practice es probable que + Subjunctive in Bubblegum
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