English learners often find themselves unsure about whether to use probably would or would probably in a sentence. Both are grammatically correct and commonly used, but their usage depends on sentence structure and the placement of adverbs. These two phrases carry the same meaning expressing a high degree of likelihood or possibility but understanding when and how to use them properly can improve both written and spoken fluency. Exploring these structures in more detail will help make your communication more natural and accurate.
Understanding the Structure of Modal Verbs and Adverbs
To understand probably would vs would probably, we need to first look at how modal verbs and adverbs interact in English sentences. Would is a modal verb, and probably is an adverb of probability. In general, adverbs usually goafterthe first auxiliary or modal verb in a sentence.
Basic Sentence Construction
- Subject + modal verb + adverb + base verb
- Example Shewould probablygo to the party.
This sentence means that there is a strong chance she will go to the party, though it’s not certain. This construction is the most natural and widely accepted in standard English.
Would Probably The Standard Word Order
Would probably is the most common and natural-sounding order in English. This form follows the standard rule of placing the adverb after the modal verb.
Examples of Would Probably
- Iwould probablyhelp if you asked.
- Theywould probablyenjoy the concert.
- Wewould probablyarrive before noon.
In these examples, probably is inserted right after the modal verb would, which is the grammatically correct and stylistically preferred placement.
Why It’s Preferred
- Follows conventional grammar rules
- Sounds smooth and natural to native speakers
- Used in both formal and informal speech
Probably Would Less Common and More Flexible
Probably would is also grammatically correct, but it’s less common and usually appears in more flexible or poetic sentence structures. This version emphasizes the adverb probably more strongly, which can subtly shift the tone or rhythm of a sentence.
Examples of Probably Would
- Iprobably wouldhave gone, but I wasn’t feeling well.
- Sheprobably wouldsay yes if you invited her.
- Theyprobably wouldagree with that idea.
In these examples, the placement of probably before would is still correct, especially in spoken English or narrative writing where emphasis on likelihood is intended earlier in the sentence.
When to Use Probably Would
- When emphasizing the uncertainty or probability itself
- For rhetorical or stylistic effect in writing or storytelling
- When creating a pause or rhythm before introducing the action
Subtle Differences in Emphasis
Although both structures are acceptable, they can sometimes carry slightly different emphasis. Would probably emphasizes the action (what someone would do), while probably would puts more stress on the uncertainty or likelihood of the action happening.
Comparing Emphasis
- He would probably call you later.â Focus on the action of calling.
- He probably would call you later.â Focus on the possibility or hesitation.
In many cases, this difference is so small that native speakers use both interchangeably without noticing. However, in more nuanced or expressive writing, this shift in emphasis can matter.
Using Would Probably and Probably Would in Questions
When asking questions, adverbs like probably generally stay after the subject but before the main verb. However, native speakers rarely use probably in direct yes/no questions because it adds unnecessary uncertainty.
Examples in Questions
- Do you think shewould probablycome to the event?
- Heprobably wouldsay yes, wouldn’t he?
Notice that probably appears after the subject and before the verb in both structures. This pattern is acceptable in reported questions or indirect speech rather than direct interrogatives.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Understanding the correct word order is key to avoiding awkward or confusing sentences. Here are some typical mistakes English learners make when using these expressions
Incorrect Word Orders
- He would call probably you. â
- They would go to probably the concert. â
These mistakes occur when probably is placed too far from the modal verb. Always try to keep probably close to would for natural rhythm and clarity.
Practical Tips for Mastery
- Stick with would probably in most formal or written contexts.
- Use probably would when speaking or writing more casually or expressively.
- Read or listen to native English content to observe natural usage.
- Practice rewriting sentences with both structures to develop flexibility and confidence.
Sentence Transformation Practice
Try rewriting these basic sentences using both structures
- She would help you if she had more time.
- They would travel more if they had the money.
Transformed
- She would probably help you if she had more time.
- She probably would help you if she had more time.
- They would probably travel more if they had the money.
- They probably would travel more if they had the money.
Both would probably and probably would are correct and widely used in English. The choice between the two often comes down to rhythm, emphasis, and style. For everyday use, would probably is the more standard and natural option, especially in formal or written contexts. On the other hand, probably would offers a slightly different tone and is useful in speech or expressive writing where you want to highlight uncertainty. By practicing both forms and listening to how native speakers use them, English learners can build more confident, flexible, and natural language skills.