Spanish
Grade 7
15 min
Es posible que, es probable que
Es posible que, es probable que
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify the phrases 'es posible que' and 'es probable que' as triggers for the subjunctive mood.
Define 'duda' (doubt) and explain why it requires a different verb mood.
Differentiate between the indicative mood (for facts) and the subjunctive mood (for possibilities).
Correctly conjugate regular -ar, -er, and -ir verbs in the present subjunctive.
Construct complete sentences expressing possibility using 'es posible que' and 'es probable que' with the subjunctive.
Translate simple sentences involving doubt from English to Spanish using the correct verb form.
Will it rain this weekend? 🌦️ We don't know for sure, but we can talk about what's possible! Let's learn the Spanish way to say '...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Subjuntivo (Subjunctive Mood)A special 'mood' for verbs used to talk about things that are not facts or certain. Think of it as the 'mood of doubt and possibility'.Es posible que yo **hable** español. (It's possible that I speak Spanish.) - 'hable' is in the subjunctive.
Indicativo (Indicative Mood)The 'normal' verb mood you already know! It's used to state facts, describe reality, and talk about things that are certain.Yo **hablo** español. (I speak Spanish.) - 'hablo' is in the indicative because it's a fact.
Duda (Doubt)The feeling of uncertainty or not being sure about something. In Spanish grammar, doubt is a major reason to use the subjunctive mood.No estoy seguro. Tengo duda. (I'm not sure....
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Grammar Rules & Patterns
The Doubt Formula
Es posible que / Es probable que + [Subject] + [Verb in Present Subjunctive]
This is the fundamental sentence structure. When you start a clause with 'es posible que' or 'es probable que', the verb that follows must be conjugated in the present subjunctive.
How to Form the Present Subjunctive (Regular Verbs)
1. Start with the 'yo' form of the present indicative (e.g., hablo, como, vivo). 2. Drop the final '-o'. 3. Add the 'opposite' ending.
For -ar verbs, use -er endings (-e, -es, -e, -emos, -éis, -en). For -er and -ir verbs, use -ar endings (-a, -as, -a, -amos, -áis, -an).
Certainty vs. Doubt
Certainty = Indicative. Doubt = Subjunctive.
If you are stating a fact (e.g., 'Yo sé que...' - I k...
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Challenging
You see dark clouds in the sky and think it might rain later. Which sentence best expresses this doubt in Spanish?
A.Yo sé que llueve más tarde.
B.Es probable que llueva más tarde.
C.Llueve más tarde.
D.Es un hecho que va a llover más tarde.
Challenging
If 'Yo creo que...' (I believe that...) uses the indicative mood for facts, why does 'Es posible que...' require the subjunctive mood?
A.Because 'Es posible que' expresses doubt, while 'Yo creo que' expresses a level of certainty or belief held as fact.
B.Because 'Es posible que' is always used for negative sentences and 'Yo creo que' is for positive ones.
C.Because 'Es posible que' is a longer phrase, and longer phrases always take the subjunctive.
D.Because 'Es posible que' refers to the future, and the subjunctive is the future tense.
Challenging
Analyze the sentence: 'Es probable que los estudiantes aprendan la lección.' Which rule makes this sentence grammatically correct?
A.The preterite tense is used for completed actions.
B.Adjectives must agree in number and gender with the nouns they describe.
C.The verb 'ser' is used for permanent characteristics.
D.The phrase 'Es probable que' introduces doubt, requiring the verb 'aprender' to be in the present subjunctive form 'aprendan'.
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