Introduction
One of the most confusing aspects of Spanish grammar for English speakers is understanding when to use es posible versus es posible que. Both expressions relate to possibility and likelihood, but they follow completely different grammatical structures and convey different meanings. This article explores the key differences between these two constructions, explaining when each is appropriate and how to use them correctly in real-world Spanish conversations and writing. By mastering this distinction, you’ll significantly improve your ability to express nuance and accuracy in Spanish.
Understanding the Basic Difference
The fundamental distinction between es posible and es posible que lies in their grammatical structure. Es posible is an impersonal construction that uses an adjective followed by an infinitive verb or a noun. In contrast, es posible que is an impersonal construction that requires a dependent clause introduced by que and uses a verb in the subjunctive mood. Understanding this structural difference is the first step toward mastering these expressions.
Es Posible: The Adjective Construction
Definition and Structure
Es posible translates literally to it is possible and functions as an impersonal expression using the verb ser combined with the adjective posible. When you use es posible, you follow it with an infinitive verb form or a noun phrase, not a complete clause with a conjugated verb.
Usage with Infinitive Verbs
The most common way to use es posible is to follow it with an infinitive verb. This construction does not require a subject to be stated explicitly because the infinitive is impersonal by nature. For example:
Es posible aprender español en tres meses.
It is possible to learn Spanish in three months.
Es posible viajar a España sin pasaporte dentro de la Unión Europea.
It is possible to travel to Spain without a passport within the European Union.
Es posible encontrar buenos restaurantes en esta ciudad.
It is possible to find good restaurants in this city.
Notice that in all these examples, the infinitive form of the verb follows directly after es posible without any additional particle or conjunction. This straightforward structure makes es posible ideal for making general statements about what is possible in the world.
Usage with Nouns
Es posible can also be followed by a noun or noun phrase to indicate that something is possible as a concept or occurrence:
Es posible la solución de este problema.
The solution of this problem is possible.
Es posible una mejora en la economía.
An improvement in the economy is possible.
Es posible el éxito del proyecto.
The success of the project is possible.
When to Use Es Posible
Use es posible when you want to make a general, objective statement about the possibility of something happening. This construction is more impersonal and detached. It is often used in formal writing, academic contexts, and when discussing universal truths or general facts. The speaker or subject is not specifically identified as the one performing the action described by the infinitive.
Es Posible Que: The Subjunctive Clause Construction
Definition and Structure
Es posible que is an impersonal expression that always requires the subjunctive mood in a dependent clause. The conjunction que introduces the subordinate clause, which contains a conjugated verb in the subjunctive form. This construction expresses doubt, uncertainty, or possibility regarding a specific situation or event.
The Subjunctive Requirement
The most important rule to remember when using es posible que is that the verb in the dependent clause must be in the subjunctive mood. The subjunctive is required because es posible que introduces an element of doubt or uncertainty about whether something will actually happen. Here are some examples:
Es posible que María llegue mañana.
It is possible that María arrives tomorrow.
Es posible que llueva este fin de semana.
It is possible that it rains this weekend.
Es posible que no tengas tiempo para completar el proyecto.
It is possible that you won’t have time to complete the project.
Notice that in each example, the verb following que is in the subjunctive mood. In Spanish, the subjunctive mood is used when there is uncertainty, doubt, desire, or necessity. Since es posible que expresses the possibility that something may or may not occur, the subjunctive is always required.
Expressing Specific Scenarios
Es posible que is used when you want to express the possibility of something happening in a specific context or involving specific people. Unlike es posible, which makes a general statement, es posible que focuses on a particular situation with identifiable subjects and circumstances. Consider these examples:
Es posible que Juan no venga a la fiesta.
It is possible that Juan doesn’t come to the party.
Es posible que encuentres un mejor trabajo pronto.
It is possible that you find a better job soon.
Es posible que mis padres compren una casa nueva.
It is possible that my parents buy a new house.
In each of these sentences, there is a specific person or group involved in a particular situation. The use of es posible que introduces uncertainty about whether this specific event will actually happen.
When to Use Es Posible Que
Use es posible que when you want to express doubt or uncertainty about a specific event, situation, or action. This construction is more personal and contextual than es posible. It is commonly used in spoken Spanish and in writing when discussing hypothetical scenarios, future events with uncertain outcomes, or situations where the speaker is not completely confident about what will happen.
Comparing the Two Constructions Side by Side
Direct Comparisons
Understanding the differences between es posible and es posible que becomes clearer when you compare them directly:
Es posible estudiar durante el viaje.
It is possible to study during the trip.
Es posible que estudies durante el viaje.
It is possible that you study during the trip.
The first sentence makes a general statement that studying during a trip is possible in the world. The second sentence expresses doubt about whether you specifically will study during your particular trip.
Another comparison:
Es posible hablar español con fluidez.
It is possible to speak Spanish fluently.
Es posible que hables español con fluidez.
It is possible that you speak Spanish fluently.
Again, the first is a general statement about human capability. The second expresses uncertainty about a specific person’s ability.
Key Grammatical Differences
Let’s summarize the grammatical differences in a clear format:
Es posible followed by infinitive verb or noun. No subject is explicitly mentioned. General, objective statement. Formal and detached tone. Uses the infinitive mood.
Es posible que followed by a dependent clause with a conjugated verb in subjunctive. A specific subject is mentioned. Specific situation with uncertainty. Personal and contextual tone. Uses the subjunctive mood.
Practical Examples in Context
In Daily Conversations
Imagine you’re discussing weekend plans with a friend. You might say:
Es posible ir al cine mañana.
It is possible to go to the cinema tomorrow.
This is a general statement about the possibility. But if you want to express uncertainty about whether your specific friend will actually go, you would say:
Es posible que vayas al cine mañana.
It is possible that you go to the cinema tomorrow.
In Written Communication
In formal emails or official documents, you might use both constructions differently:
Es posible resolver este asunto mediante mediación.
It is possible to resolve this matter through mediation.
Es posible que el cliente acepte nuestra propuesta.
It is possible that the client accepts our proposal.
The first statement presents a general solution method. The second expresses doubt about whether this particular client will agree.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mixing Up the Structures
A common error is using an infinitive after es posible que or using the subjunctive without que. Remember that es posible que always requires the subjunctive mood in a clause introduced by que. Never write es posible que ir or es posible vaya without the proper conjunction.
Forgetting the Subjunctive
Another frequent mistake is using the indicative mood (present, past, or future) instead of the subjunctive after es posible que. Because this expression introduces uncertainty, the subjunctive is mandatory. Writing es posible que llueve instead of es posible que llueva changes the meaning and is grammatically incorrect.
Additional Related Expressions
Spanish has several similar expressions that follow the same pattern as es posible que. These include es probable que (it is probable that), es seguro que (it is sure that), and es dudoso que (it is doubtful that). All of these require the subjunctive mood when expressing uncertainty or doubt.
However, some expressions like es cierto que (it is certain that) and es verdad que (it is true that) typically use the indicative mood instead of the subjunctive because they express certainty rather than doubt.
Conclusion
Mastering the distinction between es posible and es posible que is essential for achieving grammatical accuracy and expressing yourself naturally in Spanish. Es posible with an infinitive makes general statements about what is possible, while es posible que with the subjunctive expresses uncertainty about specific situations. By practicing these constructions in context and paying careful attention to subjunctive conjugations, you’ll develop the intuition needed to use them correctly and naturally in your Spanish communication.
