Meaning
This grammar pattern is used when the speaker judges that something is unlikely to happen based on current circumstances or how things appear. It conveys the speaker's assessment that an action probably won't occur. Both そうもない and そうにない have the same meaning, with そうにない being slightly more formal.
Formation
| Part of speech | Formation |
|---|---|
| 动词ます形 | そうもない／そうにない |
Examples
-
今日はこんなに晴れているから、雨は降りそうにないね。
Since it's so sunny today, it doesn't look like it will rain. -
車が好きですが、今の給料では、マイカーは買えそうもないです。
I like cars, but with my current salary, it seems impossible to buy a personal vehicle. -
今日起きたら、ひどい熱があって、学校には行けそうもない。
When I woke up today, I had a severe fever, so it looks like I won't be able to go to school.
Summary
- Form: Verb ます-stem + そうもない/そうにない
- Used to express low probability based on observable facts or circumstances
- Both そうもない and そうにない are interchangeable; the pattern reflects the speaker's judgment rather than a certain fact