You are probably right.


probably

Meaning:
: very likely : almost certainly

  • It will probably rain today.
  • They will probably be here soon.
  • You are probably right.
  • It was probably the best concert I’ve ever been to.
  • There were probably about 150 people at the wedding.
  • “Are you going to the picnic?” “Probably.”
  • “Can you finish painting the room today?” “Probably not.”

  • You are probably right.
  • You probably are right.
    Are both good?

The first is correct. The second is used but ‘probably’ is placed between the pronoun and the main verb, which is poor usage.

Hi, Tofu

As far as I know the adverb comes before the main verb in a positive sentence:
It will probably rain today.
You are probably working too hard.
I’ll almost certanly see you next week.

But when to be is a main verb (not an auxiliary) the adverb comes after it:
There were probably about 150 people at the wedding.
You are probably right.
I was defenitely at home at 10.30

The adverb comes before the auxiliary verb in a negative sentence.
I definitely didn’t tell her.
She probably isn’t working hard enough.

I’m not a native speaker, but according to the rules the sentence You are probably right is probably correct and the second probably isn’t correct.

Geo, you explained it far better than me!

Prynhawn da Beeesneees,

I’m trying to do my best and now
Rydw i’n dysgu Cymraeg.

Bore da i chi, Geo.
Mae’n trawuadol iawn!

[size=75]Trawuadol = impressive[/size]

Thank you, B and Geo.

Hi Tofu,

Agreeing all above, I would point out that ‘You probably are right’ (putting the adverb first) indicates a certain hesitation in expressing the probability.

Alan