Learn Korean: Verb + 그럴지도 몰라

Let’s take a look at the Korean sentence pattern Verb + 그럴지도 몰라. We use this to tell someone that the reason why another person is acting (acted) a certain way is probably because of something. The intention is not to judge, misunderstand, or feel bad. For example, my friend Youngju opens up about her boyfriend. They have been on a long-distance relationship for three months now. Lately, he has stopped calling and rarely responds to text messages. She is suspecting that he probably has someone else abroad. I said Maybe he is just busy (who knows, it might be the case so don’t feel that way). The main verb is 바쁘다 (to be busy). We conjugate it into its 아/어/여 form and attach 서. Then, we add 그럴지도 모르다. The actual sentence is 바빠서 그럴지도 몰라 (literally, maybe he is busy that’s why he is acting like that).

피곤해서 그럴지도 몰라.

Maybe she is just tired. (that's why she is not talking)

급한 일 생겨서 그러지도 몰라.

Maybe something came up all of the sudden. (that’s why he was in a rush, didn’t see you, and didn’t say hello back).

우울해서 그럴지도 몰라.

Maybe he is depressed or something. (that’s why he is acting strange lately and not in the mood to hang out).