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possible ~ probable

Possible” (adjective) means ‘(of something) that can exist, happen, or can be done; (of something) is reasonable’; (of something) you can do’,

e.g.

It is possible for her to help me, but she won’t.

Advancement in science has made it possible for us to travel faster than sound.

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Probable” (adjective) means ‘(of something) there is a good chance of being done, or being true; likely to happen but not yet tried or proven’,

e.g.

It seems probable that man can live on the moon.

[i.e. the present developments make us think that it can be done but not yet tried or proven]

Compare:

It is possible to land on the moon, but it is probable to land on Mars.   [i.e. man has already landed on the moon and we know that; but man has not yet landed on Mars, and the present technological developments may make landing on Mars real  eventually]

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About the Author:BC Kumar

BC Kumar, an English Language Teacher, taught in numerous countries including Ethiopia, Oman and India, shares his knowledge and passion for the English Language. Disclaimer: This is a free educational website and all content has been compiled by the author. All copyrights to images and videos belong to their respective owners.

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