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Modals of Possibility in English

The document explains the modals of possibility: 'may', 'might', and 'could', detailing their usage in sentences to express likelihood. 'May' is more formal with a higher certainty, while 'might' is informal with a 50/50 chance, and 'could' indicates an option with less certainty. It also clarifies the difference between 'may be' and 'maybe', and provides examples of their past forms.

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25 views9 pages

Modals of Possibility in English

The document explains the modals of possibility: 'may', 'might', and 'could', detailing their usage in sentences to express likelihood. 'May' is more formal with a higher certainty, while 'might' is informal with a 50/50 chance, and 'could' indicates an option with less certainty. It also clarifies the difference between 'may be' and 'maybe', and provides examples of their past forms.

Uploaded by

karisia.ingles
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Modals of

POSSIBILITY
the state or fact of being
likely or possible; likelihood

iSLCollective.com
May,

Might

Could

iSLCollective.com
subject + may/might/could + base
verb
I might join them later.

subject + may/might/could + not +


base verb
I may not want to go.

may/might/could + subject + base


verb ?
Could I join them later?

iSLCollective.com
May

more common in formal texts formal settings.


90% chance -2/3° certainty (Statistics)

● I may need your help on this project.


● He may be waiting for us.
● Less severe allergy reactions may
also occur, including rash and upset
stomach.
● ... provide an extensive list of all
terms that may be used, indicating
three-letter abbreviations for each.
● We may not need waterproof jackets,
but I'll pack them anyway.

iSLCollective.com
Might
more common in informal
conversations and text .(Least
Certain) 50/50 chance

● It might rain tonight.


● She might not come to the meeting.
● Might it rain later? (This form is not
used in American English.)
● Do you think it might rain?

iSLCollective.com
Could

shows an option. the speaker is not very


certain of the possibility.

● They could be there by now.


● She could finish her project
tonight.
● They could still be waiting for us.
● Where is my wallet? It could be in
the my room.
● We could go to the party this
afternoon.
● He could be lost.The directions
were not very clear.

iSLCollective.com
Must

A less common which shows certainty from the


speaker. For example:

● Harry saw his father today. He must


be happy.

Have To

shows certainty from the speaker.

● Winston studied the whole day. He


has to be tired.

iSLCollective.com
Do not confuse may be and maybe.

Maybe is an adverb meaning ‘possibly’. It is


usually used in the beginning of a sentence.

● Maybe I will take a vacation next month.


a. I may be going to Cuba next month.

● Maybe it will rain. / It might rain.


a. The weather reporter said there is a
50/50 chance of rain.

iSLCollective.com
May and might in the past:
The past form is may/might + have + past participle.

● I might have left my phone at home.


● She might not have seen my email.
● Where is Amanda? I think she may have forgotten about
the meeting.

iSLCollective.com

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