possibility

【1】可能性

 

因其可为n（S），故用单数形式时前面可加a；因其可为n（U），故用单数形式时前面可加the，no，much等，或不加任何词。

①后面可接用of +动名词。

【例】We trust that there is a possibility of our coming to terms, if you make us a bid.

如果你方肯递价，我们相信有成交的可能性。

 

②后面可接用that从句。

【例】Is there any possibility that they will pool our orders into one shipment?

他们有可能将我们各笔订货集中一次装运吗？

 

【2】前途展望，前景

 

【例】We shall gladly study the sales possibilities of your new products in our market.

我们将高兴地研究你方新产品在我地市场的销售前景。

 

possible

【1】可能的

 

①【例】It is possible that you are facing difficulties of which we are not aware.

也许你方正遇到我们意想不到的困难。

 

②多与形容词最高级连用。

【例】We’ll do our best to quote you the lowest possible price.

我们将尽力报给你们尽可能低的价格。

 

③形容词最高级与possible连用时，偶尔前面不用the。

【例】Please make us lowest possible firm offer.

请报给我们尽可能低的实盘。

 

④possible既可置于所修饰词的前面，也可置于所修饰词的后面。

【例】We must point out that our prices have already been cut to the minimum possible.

我们必须指出，我方价格已尽可能地减至最低点。

 

【2】the earliest possible，as early as possible尽早

 

①可用作定语。

【例】We will very much appreciate receiving at the earliest possible moment [at the moment as early as possible] your offer for walnut meat.

如蒙尽早寄来核桃仁的报盘，则非常感激。

 

②可用作状语。

【例】Please treat the matter as urgent and let us know your proposal the earliest possible.

请将其视作急事，并请尽早告知你方的建议。

 

【3】the soonest possible，as soon as possible尽快，尽速

 

用作状语。

【例】We shall open a letter of credit for the whole quantity of the order as soon as possible.

我们将按订货的全部数量尽快开出信用证。

 

possibly

可能地

 

【例】Please don’t stipulate in your L/C any clauses that are not agreed upon. Otherwise, the L/C will have to be amended and shipment will possibly be delayed.

请不要在信用证中规定双方未曾同意的条款。否则，信用证就得修改而交货可能要拖延。