presque probable
presque probable
Use it when you're 90% sure but want a polite way to stay non-committal.
Em 15 segundos
- Used to express a very high likelihood with slight hesitation.
- Perfect for predictions where you want to avoid being wrong.
- Common in casual conversation, texting, and office small talk.
Significado
It describes something that is very likely to happen, but you're still leaving a tiny bit of room for doubt. It's like saying 'it's almost a sure thing' without fully committing to it.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6Predicting the weather for a picnic
Il est presque probable qu'il pleuve cet après-midi.
It is almost probable that it will rain this afternoon.
Talking about a promotion at work
Ma promotion est presque probable selon mon manager.
My promotion is almost probable according to my manager.
Texting a friend about dinner plans
Je serai là à 19h, c'est presque probable !
I'll be there at 7 PM, it's almost probable!
Contexto cultural
The French often prefer nuance over directness to avoid appearing 'brut de décoffrage' (blunt). This phrase reflects a cultural tendency to leave a 'porte de sortie' (exit door) in conversations. It became a common way to soften predictions in everyday speech, especially in Parisian social circles where irony and caution are prized.
The 'Safety Net' Effect
Use this phrase when you want to sound smart but don't want to be held accountable if things change. It's the ultimate 'don't quote me on that' expression.
Don't Overuse It
If you use it for everything, you might sound indecisive. Mix it up with `certainement` or `sûrement` to show confidence.
Em 15 segundos
- Used to express a very high likelihood with slight hesitation.
- Perfect for predictions where you want to avoid being wrong.
- Common in casual conversation, texting, and office small talk.
What It Means
Presque probable is a way to hedge your bets. In French, probable already means something is likely. By adding presque (almost), you are creating a safety net. You are saying, "I'm pretty sure this will happen, but don't blame me if it doesn't." It sits right between 'maybe' and 'definitely.' It’s the linguistic equivalent of a shrug while nodding your head.
How To Use It
You will mostly use this as an adjective phrase. You can drop it into a sentence using c'est or il est. For example, C'est presque probable qu'il vienne. You don't need fancy grammar here. Just place it where you would put 'likely' in English. It’s a great way to sound more natural and less like a textbook. It shows you understand the nuance of French hesitation.
When To Use It
Use it when you're making predictions about the weather or social plans. It’s perfect for when a friend asks if you'll finish your work on time. Use it in the office when a project is looking good but not finished. It’s a very 'safe' expression for B1 speakers. It makes you sound thoughtful and realistic. It’s great for texting when you don't want to over-promise.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this in scientific or mathematical contexts. If you tell a math professor something is presque probable, they might cry. Probability is a specific number in science! Also, avoid it in high-stakes legal situations. You wouldn't want a lawyer saying your win is presque probable. It sounds a bit too casual for a courtroom. If you are 100% certain, just say c'est certain instead.
Cultural Background
French culture values intellectual caution and nuance. Being 'too sure' of yourself can sometimes come across as arrogant. Using words like presque or peut-être is a social lubricant. It shows you are considering all possibilities. This phrase reflects the French love for 'le juste milieu'—the middle ground. It’s a way to stay polite while expressing an opinion.
Common Variations
If you want to be even more certain, use plus que probable (more than probable). If you are slightly less sure, you might say assez probable. If you want to sound a bit more formal, try fort probable. For a very casual vibe, some might just say ça se peut. But presque probable remains a solid, versatile choice for daily life.
Notas de uso
This phrase is neutral in register. It is very safe for B1 learners because it doesn't carry heavy slang connotations but sounds much more 'French' than a simple 'oui'.
The 'Safety Net' Effect
Use this phrase when you want to sound smart but don't want to be held accountable if things change. It's the ultimate 'don't quote me on that' expression.
Don't Overuse It
If you use it for everything, you might sound indecisive. Mix it up with `certainement` or `sûrement` to show confidence.
The French 'Pessimism'
French speakers often use 'presque' to temper good news. It's a cultural way of not 'jinxing' a positive outcome.
Exemplos
6Il est presque probable qu'il pleuve cet après-midi.
It is almost probable that it will rain this afternoon.
Using 'presque' adds a layer of cautious observation.
Ma promotion est presque probable selon mon manager.
My promotion is almost probable according to my manager.
Professional yet realistic about the uncertainty of corporate life.
Je serai là à 19h, c'est presque probable !
I'll be there at 7 PM, it's almost probable!
A slightly humorous way to admit you might be late.
Leur victoire est presque probable après ce but.
Their victory is almost probable after this goal.
Expressing confidence in an outcome that isn't finished yet.
Que je mange tout le chocolat ? C'est presque probable.
That I eat all the chocolate? It's almost probable.
Using the phrase to joke about one's own predictable behavior.
Il est presque probable qu'ils se séparent bientôt.
It is almost probable that they will break up soon.
Used to discuss sensitive topics with a bit of distance.
Teste-se
Choose the best word to complete this cautious prediction about a meeting.
Le patron sera en retard, c'est ___ probable.
`Presque probable` creates the meaning of 'highly likely,' which fits a prediction.
Which phrase makes the sentence sound more like a 'maybe' than a 'definitely'?
Il est ___ que nous partions en vacances en juillet.
`Presque probable` is the only option that expresses likelihood with a hint of doubt.
🎉 Pontuação: /2
Recursos visuais
Formality of 'Presque Probable'
Used with friends to hedge plans.
C'est presque probable que je vienne.
Common in daily life and office talk.
Un retard est presque probable.
Rarely used; 'fort probable' is preferred.
Il est fort probable que...
When to use 'Presque Probable'
Weather Forecast
Predicting rain for a hike.
Office Gossip
Predicting a colleague's resignation.
Personal Habits
Admitting you'll likely hit snooze.
Sports
Guessing the winner mid-game.
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasYes, it is perfectly correct. It combines an adverb of degree presque with an adjective probable.
Not exactly. Très probable is more confident. Presque probable suggests it's *almost* reached the point of being likely, which is slightly more hesitant.
It's better to use très probable or je suis convaincu in an interview to sound more confident and professional.
You could say peu probable (unlikely) or presque impossible (almost impossible).
When you use Il est probable que..., you usually use the indicative. So, Il est presque probable qu'il vient (though some people use subjunctive, indicative is standard for probability).
No, it is neutral. You can use it with your boss, your grandma, or your friends without any issues.
No, it describes situations or events. You wouldn't say a person is presque probable.
You would say presque certainement or quasi certainement.
It is much more common in spoken French where people hedge their statements more frequently.
Peut-être (maybe) is 50/50. Presque probable is more like 80/20. It shows you have more information.
Frases relacionadas
Plus que probable
Fort probable
Peu probable
C'est possible
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