Possibility / Probability (olabilir, -abilir)
A2
Verbs
Turkish expresses possibility and probability through two modal forms: the lexical predicate olabilir and the epistemic use of the potential suffix -ebil / -abil. Both forms encode non-assertive modality and indicate that an event is likely, possible, or logically inferred.
1. Function
These constructions mark epistemic modality: the event is evaluated as possible, uncertain, or probable based on available information. They do not express ability in this context, but likelihood.
2. Lexical Predicate: olabilir
olabilir is a lexicalized predicate derived from ol- + -abilir.
It denotes logical or situational possibility.
Examples:
• Hava yağmurlu olabilir. (It may be rainy.)
• Bu doğru olabilir. (This may be true.)
The predicate inflects as a single unit when required:
• olabilir → olabiliriz / olabilirler
• olmayabilir → olmayabiliriz
3. Epistemic Use of -ebil / -abil
The potential suffix -ebil / -abil attaches to verb stems and expresses probability rather than ability when used epistemically.
The interpretation is contextual.
Examples:
• Erken dönebilir. (He/She might return early.)
• Yarın başlayabilir. (It may start tomorrow.)
• Araba bozulabilir. (The car might break down.)
• Ses artabilir. (The sound may increase.)
4. Morphology
4.1. Vowel Harmony
Back vowels → -abilir
Front vowels → -ebilir
Examples:
• al → alabilir
• gör → görebilir
• uç → uçabilir
• dinle → dinleyebilir
4.2. Consonant Alternation (Lexical Patterns Only)
Most stems ending in p, ç, t, k do not undergo softening before -ebilir / -abilir:
• yap → yapabilir
• seç → seçebilir
• bak → bakabilir
Some stems show lexically fixed alternations, especially t → d:
• git → gidebilir
• tat → tadabilir
• et → edebilir
These alternations are lexical, not fully productive.
4.3. Negation
Negation precedes the potential suffix:
verb + -ma / -me + -yAbilir
Examples:
• gelmeyebilir (may not come)
• olmayabilir (may not be)
• başlamayabilir (may not start)
• bitmeyebilir (may not finish)
5. Syntax
Both olabilir and -abilir serve as the main predicate and inflect for person when relevant.
Examples:
• Gidebilirim. (I may go.)
• Gelebiliriz. (We may come.)
• Olabilirler. (They may be.)
No auxiliary verb is required.
6. Distribution and Interpretation
• olabilir expresses logical possibility.
• -abilir expresses contextual or inferred probability.
• Both forms encode epistemic modality rather than ability.
• Negative forms preserve the same modal meaning.
Examples
• Bugün yağmur yağabilir. (It may rain today.)
• Araba bozulabilir. (The car might break down.)
• Sınav zor olabilir. (The exam may be difficult.)
• Yarın başlayabiliriz. (We may start tomorrow.)
• Bu plan olmayabilir. (This plan may not work.)
• Etkinlik iptal edilebilir. (The event may be cancelled.)
• O da gelebilir. (He/She may also come.)
• Gece boyunca değişiklik olabilir. (There may be changes overnight.)
Notes
• olabilir is lexicalized but morphologically transparent.
• Epistemic -ebilir marks probability, not ability.
• Negation attaches before the potential suffix.
• The predicate inflects regularly for person.
Possibility / Probability – FAQ (A2)
Q: What is the difference between olabilir and the suffix -ebilir / -abilir?
A: Olabilir expresses general or logical possibility, while -ebilir / -abilir expresses contextual or inferred probability based on the situation.
Q: Does -ebilir / -abilir always express ability?
A: No. When used epistemically, it expresses probability or likelihood, not ability.
Q: How is negation formed with possibility and probability?
A: Negation comes before the potential suffix: verb + -ma / -me + -yabilir / -yebilir.