Expressing probability with quizás and tal vez
When plans are up in the air—like a changing weather forecast for your camping trip—you will often use adverbs of probability like quizás (maybe/perhaps), tal vez (maybe), and posiblemente (possibly).
Unlike ojalá, which always requires the subjunctive, these adverbs give you a choice. You can follow them with either the subjunctive or the indicative, depending on how certain you feel.
Use the subjunctive when there is a lot of doubt or the outcome feels uncertain.
| Maybe the weather will get worse, according to today's forecast. | Tal vez el clima empeore, según el pronóstico de hoy. |
| Maybe we will pitch the tent in the forest. | Quizás armemos la carpa en el bosque. |
| Possibly the weather will worsen and the wind will be severe. | Posiblemente el clima empeore y el viento sea severo. |
Use the indicative when you feel more confident that the event is likely to happen.
| Maybe we will make a campfire if the weather improves. | Quizás hacemos una fogata si el clima mejora. |
The exception: a lo mejor
There is one very common phrase for "maybe" that works a bit differently: a lo mejor. Even though it expresses possibility, it is almost always followed by the indicative.
| Maybe he is bundling up because it is very cold. | A lo mejor él se abriga porque hace mucho frío. |
| Maybe they are pitching the tent now and unpacking the backpacks. | A lo mejor ellos arman la carpa ahora y desempacan las mochilas. |
Your questions are stored by us to improve Elon.io