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dhshim3
Joined: 13 Jan 2010
Posts: 9
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 Posted: Fri Dec 17, 2010 9:38 pm Post subject: likely vs possible |
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I don't understand the difference in the usage of these words; likely, liable, probable, possible
1. The system is liable to fail.
2. The system is likely to fail.
3. The system is probable to fail.
4. The system is possible to fail.
In my hunch, sentence 1, 2 are correct, but 3, 4 are improper usage.
I don't know the exactly sensible sentences from the above and why.
Please help me out. |
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CP
Joined: 12 Jun 2006
Posts: 2875
Location: California
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| Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2010 5:58 pm Post subject: |
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The only correct answer is likely. People do say liable in such cases, but that is a misuse of the word. Likely means it probably will happen, although it is not certain. Liable means responsible to someone for an injury, ripe for being sued.
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You live a new life for every new language you speak. -Czech proverb |
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