Difference between possibly and probably

[Learner from China]

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #61 "Chit Chat: In the supermarket", question 2

Old lady: Yes. I wonder if you could ......... help me, young man.

(a) probably
(b) likely
(c) possibly
(d) easily

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #61 "Chit Chat: In the supermarket", answer 2

Old lady: Yes. I wonder if you could possibly help me, young man.

Correct answer: (c) possibly

Your answer was: correct
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Sir, what is the difference between possibly and probably?

Thanks in advance

English Learner from China

[Daniela]

Dear learner,
Possibly means "by chance, in some way" and probably means "most likely, maybe".
Daniela
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[Alan]

Hi Learner from China,

Possibly used in this sentence is a way of showing that you are polite: Can you possibly help me suggests I hope it will be possible for you to help me. Help me on its own suggests a direct remark and is not so polite.

Probably is used to show that something may happen. It will probably rain tomorrow indicates that there is a chance that it will rain but it isn't definite.

Alan
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[Snowwhite]

Very good explain, thanks.

[Misskhan]

nice explanation as usual

thanks Mr. Alan

regards

misskhan