What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the neuter article lo (meaning the thing or the matter), the superlative más (meaning most) and the adjective probable (meaning probable). Literally, it translates to "the most probable (thing)".
Which one should you use?
While lo más probable is a common way to express this, the adverb probablemente can often be used as a more concise alternative to express a similar degree of likelihood.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the expression lo más seguro is commonly used to convey the meaning of "most likely".
How does it change in a sentence?
When using lo más probable es que… to introduce a clause, the following verb must be in the subjunctive mood. The phrase lo más probable es que functions as a trigger for the subjunctive mood in the dependent clause.
How do you pronounce it?
/lo mas pɾobable/
Did you know?
- The word 'más' in lo más probable shares a common ancestor with the English word 'master', which comes from the Latin 'magister'.
- In Spanish, the word probable is a cognate of the English 'probable' and both derive from the Latin probābilis, meaning 'provable' or 'worthy of trial'.
- The neuter article lo in this phrase has no direct equivalent in English because it transforms an adjective into an abstract concept.
Examples in context
- Lo más probable es que esté ahí.He's most likely there.This sentence shows how to use lo más probable to state where someone is likely to be.Tatoeba #8688776 by ajje, translation #8688777 by ajje
- Probablemente llueva mañana.It will most likely rain tomorrow.
- Es muy probable que lleguen tarde a la reunión.It is very likely that they will arrive late to the meeting.
- Es probable que obtengan una respuesta pronto.They will most likely receive a response soon.
- Seguramente irán al cine esta tarde.They will most likely go to the movies this afternoon.
- Lo más seguro es que salgamos temprano.The most likely thing is that we will leave early.
- Lo más probable es que llueva esta tarde.It is most likely that it will rain this afternoon.
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are discussing whether their friend arrives on time.
- Sofía¿Crees que Juan llegará a la fiesta?Do you think Juan will arrive at the party?
- MateoLo más probable es que llegue tarde.It is most likely that he will arrive late.
- SofíaÉl siempre tiene problemas con el tráfico.He always has problems with traffic.
- MateoEs verdad, es un hombre muy impuntual.That's true, he is a very unpunctual man.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lo, más, probable, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
