possibly

possibly — adverb

1. used to show that something may be the case, may happen, or may fit, although th

1.副詞A2
釋義

used to show that something may be the case, may happen, or may fit, although the speaker is unsure.

例句

Possibly the last bus has already left the station.

sentence opener: possibly + clause

Rina is possibly the youngest player on the team.

before a complement after be

同義詞
  • perhaps

    very close in meaning, but often sounds a little more neutral or written

  • maybe

    more conversational in everyday speech

  • conceivably

    more formal and usually suggests a more distant possibility

反義詞

文法句型

possibly + clause

subject + possibly + verb

be + possibly + complement

用法筆記

Often comes before the whole clause or just before the word being judged. Distinguish from adverb/2, where 'possibly' works as a short reply rather than inside a full statement.

常見錯誤

❌Possibly maybe the train is late.
✅Possibly the train is late.
💡do not stack two uncertainty adverbs in the same place.

2. said when giving a doubtful yes or no, because you do not want to sound fully su

2.副詞B1
釋義

said when giving a doubtful yes or no, because you do not want to sound fully sure.

例句

"Is the cafe still open?" "Possibly, if the owner stayed late."

short answer showing uncertainty

"Did Eva take the blue folder?" "Possibly not; Liam checked her desk."

pattern: possibly not

同義詞
  • maybe

    common in speech for a hesitant answer, especially in casual conversation

  • perhaps

    possible here, but less usual as a direct short reply

反義詞
  • definitely

    gives a firm answer with no visible doubt

  • certainly

    sounds confident rather than hesitant

文法句型

possibly

possibly not

possibly, but + clause

用法筆記

Usually stands alone or is followed by 'not' or 'but'. Distinguish from adverb/1, which comments on a whole statement instead of answering someone directly.

常見錯誤

❌Possibly the answer is yes.
✅Possibly.' / 'Possibly yes, but I am not sure.
💡this reply sense usually stands alone or has only a short follow-up.

3. used after modal forms such as can, could, can't, and couldn't to make an idea o

3.副詞B2
釋義

used after modal forms such as can, could, can't, and couldn't to make an idea of possibility or impossibility feel much stronger.

例句

How could Noah possibly carry that sofa upstairs alone?

surprised question: could + possibly

We can't possibly print 500 tickets before noon today.

strong negative: can't possibly + verb

同義詞
  • ever

    often replaces 'possibly' in surprised questions, especially in conversation

  • really

    can add emotional force, but it is broader and more informal

  • conceivably

    formal in statements about possibility, but uncommon in strong everyday questions

文法句型

how can/could + subject + possibly + verb

can't/couldn't possibly + verb

do everything + subject + possibly can

用法筆記

Most common after can, could, can't, or couldn't. Distinguish from adverb/4 and adverb/5: this sense strengthens possibility or impossibility, rather than making a request or politely refusing an offer.

常見錯誤

❌Could you possibly open the window?' (when you mean surprise)
✅How could you possibly open it without a key?
💡in adverb/3, 'possibly' strengthens can/could; polite requests belong to adverb/4.

4. used mainly with could to make a request sound more careful and polite.

4.副詞B1
釋義

used mainly with could to make a request sound more careful and polite.

例句

Could you possibly email the map before the train leaves?

polite request: could you possibly + verb

Could I possibly borrow your phone for one quick call?

polite self-request: could I possibly + verb

同義詞
  • please

    adds politeness, but it does not replace the modal pattern with 'could'

  • perhaps

    can soften a request too, though it is less fixed in this pattern

  • kindly

    more formal and more common in written instructions

文法句型

could you possibly + verb

could I possibly + verb

could + noun phrase + possibly + verb

用法筆記

Normally used with 'could', not 'can', when you want to sound especially polite. Distinguish from adverb/3, where the focus is strong feeling about possibility, not asking someone to do something.

常見錯誤

❌Can you possibly send me the file?
✅Could you possibly send me the file?
💡'could' is usually the more polite choice in this request pattern.

5. used, especially as couldn't possibly, to refuse an offer in a very polite way.

5.副詞B2
釋義

used, especially as couldn't possibly, to refuse an offer in a very polite way.

例句

Thanks, but I couldn't possibly take your last sandwich.

polite refusal: couldn't possibly + verb

Mrs. Ito said she couldn't possibly stay for dessert tonight.

同義詞
  • sorry

    often begins a polite refusal, but it does not carry the same modal pattern

  • afraid

    common in 'I'm afraid I can't', another polite way to refuse

文法句型

couldn't possibly + verb

I couldn't possibly

subject + couldn't possibly + accept/take/stay

用法筆記

Most often appears as 'I couldn't possibly ...' after food, help, money, or invitations are offered. Distinguish from adverb/3, where 'couldn't possibly' simply means something is impossible, not a polite social refusal.

常見錯誤

❌I couldn't possibly finish the report.
✅I couldn't possibly take your seat.
💡adverb/5 is for politely turning down an offer, not just saying a task is impossible.