Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

Teo · Joined: 15 Oct 2005 Posts: 193 Location: Taiwan

1. It is possible that the teacher will come to the party.

2. It is possible for the teacher to come to the party.

What's the difference in meaning between the above sentences?
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Eric Thompson · Posted: Fri Jan 05, 2007 10:42 pm Post subject:

Dear Teo, Your two sentences mean the same thing, but your first sentence is perfect, and your second sentence is awkward and not spoken by Americans. So, use your first sentence. Smile

Mister Micawber · Joined: 23 Mar 2006 Posts: 774 Location: Yokohama

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Sorry, Eric, but I read the sentences as quite different:

1-- Maybe she will come.
2-- She can come.

Cf: It is possible that I am drunk vs It is possible for me to get drunk.

What do you think?
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Teo · Joined: 15 Oct 2005 Posts: 193 Location: Taiwan

#2 means rather that he is able to come.
http://www.englishclub.com/esl-forums/viewtopic.php?p=307720#307720
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Eric Thompson · Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 5:10 am Post subject:

Mr. Macawber, You are right. I didn't look at that angle: a formal party in which people have to be invited to come. I was thinking along the lines of a young persons' party, where the more, the merrier.