What is probable? Pronunciation and usage in English

probable means . Learn how to pronounce and use probable through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of probable

probableadjective

/ˈprɒbəbl/
Definition & pronunciation of probable

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "probable" in English. It can be tricky for some! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

The word "probable" is typically divided into three syllables:

  • prob - (like the word "prob" as in "problem")
  • a - (as in "apple")
  • ble - (like "able")

2. Sounds:

  • “prob”: This syllable sounds like "prob" as in "problem". It’s a short, crisp sound.
  • “a”: This is a very short, unstressed "a" sound, almost like a schwa (ə). Think of it as a very quick, neutral vowel.
  • “ble”: This sounds like "ble" as in "able."

3. Putting it together:

The whole word is pronounced roughly like: proh-ˈæb-əl

Here's a more detailed breakdown, with emphasis on each syllable:

  • proh (stress on this first syllable – it's the strongest)
  • -ˈæb (the second syllable is stressed – you can hear a clear “ah” sound)
  • -əl (the third syllable is very light and quick)

Resources to listen:

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Usage and examples with the word probable in English

Let's break down how to use the word "probable" effectively in English.

1. What does "probable" mean?

"Probable" means likely to happen or be true. It suggests a reasonable chance, but it's not a certainty. It's stronger than "possible" but weaker than "certain."

2. How to use it in sentences:

Here are different ways to incorporate "probable" into your sentences, with examples:

  • Expressing a likelihood:

    • “It’s probable that it will rain tomorrow.” (Meaning: It’s likely to rain.)
    • “Based on the evidence, a guilty verdict is probable.” (Meaning: It’s likely the jury will find the defendant guilty.)
    • “Considering his past behavior, stealing is probable.” (Meaning: It’s likely he will steal.)

  • Describing a situation:

    • “The probable cause for the accident was the driver’s speeding.” (Meaning: It's likely the speeding was the reason.)
    • “There's a probable explanation for what happened.” (Meaning: There’s a likely reason.)

  • Adding a degree of uncertainty:

    • “It’s probable, but not definite, that he’ll accept the job offer.” (You're acknowledging a good chance, but there’s still a possibility he'll say no.)
    • “The report suggests a probable increase in sales next quarter.” (Meaning: The report indicates a good likelihood of increased sales, but it’s not guaranteed.)

3. Synonyms:

Here are some words that have a similar meaning to “probable” – you can use these if “probable” feels too formal:

  • Likely
  • Possible
  • Likely
  • Reasonable
  • Expected

4. Important distinctions:

  • Probable vs. Possible: “Possible” simply means something could happen. “Probable” means it’s more likely to happen than not.
  • Probable vs. Certain: “Certain” means it will definitely happen. "Probable" acknowledges some uncertainty.

5. Example Sentences Combining Different Usages:

  • “Given the heavy traffic and the late hour, it’s probable that we’ll be late for the meeting.” (Likelihood)
  • “The forensic team’s report suggested a probable link between the victim and the suspect.” (Describing a situation)
  • “While it's probable that the project will be completed on time, we need to remain vigilant and monitor progress closely.” (Adding a degree of uncertainty)

Resources for Further Learning:

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Synonyms for the word probable

Practice with vocabulary probable

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Given the strong market demand, a price increase is highly _____ within the next quarter.
  2. Based on the preliminary data, the most _____ explanation for the anomaly is a software glitch rather than a hardware failure.
  3. The team's proposal seems financially _____, but we need to assess its operational viability and resource allocation.
  4. Successful project completion is _____ on securing additional funding by the end of the month.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The expert panel concluded that a cyber attack was the most _____ cause of the system outage. A) definite B) probable C) unlikely D) guaranteed

  2. Which of the following words describe an event that is highly expected to happen but not absolutely certain? (Select all that apply) A) Certain B) Improbable C) Probable D) Likely E) Inevitable

  3. If current trends continue, it is highly _____ that the company will achieve its revenue targets this year. A) impossible B) improbable C) probable D) questionable

  4. The new policy will _____ require significant retraining for all staff members, impacting the project timeline. A) doubtfully B) possibly C) inevitably D) improbably

  5. While it is _____ that a meteor could strike the Earth tomorrow, it is not considered a _____ threat in the short term by scientific consensus. A) probable / certain B) possible / probable C) unlikely / definite D) certain / remote

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original sentence: It is highly expected that the project will face delays due to unforeseen technical challenges. Rewrite using "probable" or a related word form:

  2. Original sentence: There's a strong chance that the merger will be approved by the regulatory bodies next month. Rewrite using "probable" or a related word form:

  3. Original sentence: It's almost guaranteed that the new software update will fix the identified security vulnerabilities. Rewrite WITHOUT using "probable" or any of its forms:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. probable
  2. probable
  3. feasible
  4. contingent

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. B) probable
  2. C) Probable, D) Likely
  3. C) probable
  4. C) inevitably
  5. B) possible / probable

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Due to unforeseen technical challenges, it is highly probable that the project will face delays. (Alternative: The project will most probably face delays due to unforeseen technical challenges.)
  2. The probability of the merger being approved by the regulatory bodies next month is high. (Alternative: It is highly probable that the merger will be approved by the regulatory bodies next month.)
  3. The new software update will almost certainly fix the identified security vulnerabilities. (Alternative: The new software update is guaranteed to fix the identified security vulnerabilities.)

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