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
_________________________

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
_________________
English Language Learning Online
Learn English with Daniela

[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
_________________
English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Present Simple

[Snowwhite]

Very good explain, thanks.

[Misskhan]

nice explanation as usual

thanks Mr. Alan

regards

misskhan

[Gsheasha]

Mr.Alan
very good explanation.
Thanks

[Cristovam]

Good afternom, Alan. I scored 08 questions in first attempt. This exercise is very useful, but I need your help in other matter. I do not understand the colocation of preposition at the end of a phrase. Is it a way to learn it efficiently. "For example: "I come with great optimism that this treatment will have the effects we hope for". Thanks in advanced.