1. 两者均表示(很)可能的,词义很相近,不少英语词典对这两个词释义时,常将它们互作解释。如:
It is likely [probable] that he is out. 他很可能外出了。
2. 从用法上看:likely 可以用人作主语,而 probable 则不能用人作主语;另外,likely 后可以接不定式,而 probable 后则不能接不定式。如:
正:He is likely to win. 他很可能会赢。
误:He is probable to win.
正:Do you think it's likely to rain? 你认为可能会下雨吗?
误:Do you think it's probable to rain?
另外比较:
He's likely to come.=It is likely [probable] that he’ll come. 他很可能会来。(但不说:He’s probable to come.)
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