In 15 Seconds
- 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.
Meaning
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.
Key Examples
3 of 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!
Cultural Background
In French administration, 'presque probable' is often used to avoid committing to a hard deadline. It's a way of being polite while remaining vague. Quebecers might use 'pas mal probable' in informal settings, which carries a similar weight but feels more local. Belgian French often uses 'sûrement' where a Frenchman might use 'presque probable', leading to slight misunderstandings in the degree of certainty. In many Francophone African countries, probability is often linked to 'Inch'Allah' (God willing), which adds a spiritual layer to 'presque probable'.
The Subjunctive Secret
Even if your grammar book says 'probable' takes the indicative, use the subjunctive after 'presque probable' to sound like a native speaker who understands nuance.
Don't Overuse It
If you use it for everything, you'll sound like you're afraid to make a decision. Save it for when you actually have data or evidence.
In 15 Seconds
- 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.
Usage Notes
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 Subjunctive Secret
Even if your grammar book says 'probable' takes the indicative, use the subjunctive after 'presque probable' to sound like a native speaker who understands nuance.
Don't Overuse It
If you use it for everything, you'll sound like you're afraid to make a decision. Save it for when you actually have data or evidence.
Examples
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.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
D'après les nuages, il est ________ ________ qu'il pleuve ce soir.
'Presque' is the correct adverb to modify 'probable' here.
Which sentence is the most formal?
Choose the best option for a business report.
The use of 'Il est... que' and the subjunctive 'remportions' makes this the most formal.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Tu penses qu'il va venir ? B: ________, il a déjà acheté son billet.
Buying a ticket makes the event very likely, but not 100% certain until he arrives.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
The Certainty Scale
Practice Bank
3 exercisesD'après les nuages, il est ________ ________ qu'il pleuve ce soir.
'Presque' is the correct adverb to modify 'probable' here.
Choose the best option for a business report.
The use of 'Il est... que' and the subjunctive 'remportions' makes this the most formal.
A: Tu penses qu'il va venir ? B: ________, il a déjà acheté son billet.
Buying a ticket makes the event very likely, but not 100% certain until he arrives.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questions'Très probable' is more common and direct. 'Presque probable' is more nuanced and sounds slightly more formal/analytical.
Yes, but it might look a bit formal. 'Sûrement' or 'C'est quasi sûr' is better for texting.
Technically no, but in practice, yes. Adding 'presque' increases the feeling of uncertainty, which triggers the subjunctive in the speaker's mind.
Related Phrases
Fort probable
similarVery likely
Vraisemblable
synonymPlausible/Likely
Peu probable
contrastUnlikely
Quasi certain
builds onAlmost certain
