To express that something might not happen, use the negative possibility structure.
The Formula
Add the negative suffix (-ma / -me), the possibility suffix (-yabil / -yebil), and the aorist tense suffix (-ir) to the verb stem. Depending on vowel harmony, the ending is -mayabilir or -meyebilir.
| The archaeologists might not find anything in this excavation. | Arkeologlar bu kazıda hiçbir şey bulmayabilir. |
Personal Suffixes
Attach standard personal suffixes to the very end of the verb. For example, adding -iz for "we" creates -mayabiliriz / -meyebiliriz.
| This excavation might be in vain and we might not make a new discovery. | Bu kazı boşuna olabilir ve yeni bir keşif yapmayabiliriz. |
For situations or states that "might not be," use the verb olmak (to be). Third-person singular subjects take no personal suffix (olmayabilir).
| The ancient tomb might be empty, there might not be a treasure inside it. | Antik mezar boş olabilir, içinde bir hazine olmayabilir. |
For plural subjects ("they"), you can add the suffix -ler (-mayabilirler / -meyebilirler).
| The archaeologists are looking for treasure, but they might not find even a single pot. | Arkeologlar hazine arıyorlar ama tek bir çömlek bile bulmayabilirler. |
Contrasting Outcomes
You will frequently see this structure paired with conjunctions like ama (but) or için (because) to contrast hopes with potential disappointments.
| Because the inscription is very old, the archaeologists might not understand it at all. | Yazıt çok eski olduğu için arkeologlar onu hiç anlamayabilir. |