English grammar
Probably — before or after the verb
Guess where someone probably is, using probably in the right place.
From the scene Where could Tomás be?
In short
Use probably to guess. Put it after be or will, but before a main verb: he's probably lost, he probably forgot.
Your turn
Which one goes with right after "be"?
Options: he probably forgot to charge it · he's probably lost · his phone's probably off
Show answer
right after "be" → he's probably lost
How it works
Probably is the most natural way to make a guess in spoken English.
Your turn
Pick the word that fits the line.
His phone’s (blank) off.
Clue: right after "be"
Options: probably is · is probably · probably
Show answer
His phone’s probably off.
Tendrá el móvil apagado.
Good to know
It goes right after be or a helping verb like will or has (his phone's probably off, he'll probably call), but right before a main verb (he probably forgot to charge it).
Your turn
Pick the word that fits the line.
He’s (blank) lost somewhere in Madrid.
Options: probably · probably is · is probably
Show answer
He’s probably lost somewhere in Madrid.
Estará perdido por Madrid.
Good to know
With a negative it comes first: he probably isn't answering. It's a little less sure than must.
Your turn
Pick the word that fits the line.
Or he’s (blank) sleeping on some bench.
Options: probably · probably is · is probably
Show answer
Or he’s probably sleeping on some bench.
O estará durmiendo en algún banco.
right after "be" his phone's probably off
right after "be" he's probably lost
Your turn
What goes with he's probably lost?
Options: right before another verb · a strong guess, a different word · right after "be"
Show answer
he's probably lost → right after "be"
right before another verb he probably forgot to charge it
Nuria
Or he probably forgot to charge it.
O seguramente se le olvidó cargarlo.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Or (blank).
Options: he's probably lost · he probably forgot to charge it · his phone's probably off
Show answer
Nuria
Or he probably forgot to charge it.
O seguramente se le olvidó cargarlo.
a strong guess, a different word that'll be why
Your turn
What goes with that'll be why?
Options: right after "be" · a strong guess, a different word · right after "be"
Show answer
that'll be why → a strong guess, a different word
Common mistake
Not probably is or is probably here. Right before a normal verb.
Or he probably forgot to charge it.
O seguramente se le olvidó cargarlo.
Practise it in the story
Meet this rule inside a short animated scene. Answer as it plays, then say the lines yourself.
Practise free in the appSee all forms
| right after "be" | his phone's probably off |
|---|---|
| right after "be" | he's probably lost |
| right before another verb | he probably forgot to charge it |
| a strong guess, a different word | that'll be why |
More lines from the story
- JaviHis phone’s probably off.Tendrá el móvil apagado.
- NuriaHe’s probably lost somewhere in Madrid.Estará perdido por Madrid.
- JaviOr he’s probably sleeping on some bench.O estará durmiendo en algún banco.
- JaviMarisa’s calling me... again.Marisa me está llamando... otra vez.
- NuriaCould he still be asleep?¿Estará dormido todavía?