Probability (ehtemâl dârad, momken ast)

Expressing Probability

To express that an action is possible or probable, start the clause with an impersonal expression:

  • ممکن است (It is possible)
  • احتمال دارد (There is a probability / It is probable)

Because these phrases express uncertainty, the main verb of the sentence must take the Present Subjunctive form.

It is Possible: ممکن است

Place ممکن است before the subject and conjugate the main verb in the present subjunctive (usually by adding the بـ prefix).

It is Probable: احتمال دارد

احتمال دارد works exactly the same way. The phrase is impersonal and never changes form, regardless of the subject.

Probability with Compound Verbs

With compound verbs, only the "light verb" (the conjugating half) takes the subjunctive form.

Remember that a few verbs, most notably داشتن (to have), do not take the بـ prefix in the subjunctive.

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