French grammar: expression de la possibilité

What this grammar point covers

The 'expression de la possibilité' in French is how you say that something is possible or might happen.

When to use it

Use these forms in French when you want to talk about things that are possible, but not certain. For example, if you are not sure if something will happen, or if you want to say someone is able to do something.

Key forms

• pouvoir + infinitive (e.g., Je peux venir.)
• il est possible que + subjonctif (e.g., Il est possible qu'il vienne.)
• peut-être (e.g., Peut-être qu'il viendra.)

Examples

Tips

• Remember to use the infinitive after 'pouvoir' (e.g., Je peux manger).
• After 'il est possible que', use the subjunctive form (e.g., qu'il vienne).
• Don't confuse 'peut-être' (maybe) with 'peut être' (can be) – they have different meanings and spellings.

Exceptions and edge cases

• Some verbs in the subjunctive can be irregular (e.g., être: qu'il soit, avoir: qu'il ait).