Grammar: Modals of Possibility & Probability
B1 Lesson 3: Making Guesses
Making Guesses About Now & The Future
Sometimes, we don't know something for sure. When we want to talk about possibility (what can happen) or probability (how likely it is), we use modal verbs. Today, we will learn how to use may, might, and could to speculate about the present and future when we don't have 100% certainty.
The Grammar Rule 📖
How to Express Possibility
Positive Possibility (about 50% chance)
Use 'may', 'might', or 'could' when something is possible. They are often interchangeable.
Structure: Subject + may / might / could + verb (infinitive)
"Look at those dark clouds. It could rain this afternoon.""I'm not sure where he is. He might be at home."
Negative Possibility
Use "may not" or "might not" when you think something is possibly not true or will not happen.
Structure: Subject + may not / might not + verb (infinitive)
"He is feeling sick, so he may not come to class tomorrow."Important: Do not use "couldn't" for this meaning. "Couldn't" is for past impossibility (e.g., "I couldn't open the door").
A Conversation in Siem Reap
Srey and Bora are deciding what to do this evening.
Srey: "What should we do tonight? We could go to the night market."
Bora: "That's a good idea, but it might be very crowded. I may not have enough energy for that."
Srey: "That's true. Well, what do you think about watching a movie at home?"
Bora: "That sounds perfect. It might be a relaxing evening."
Practice Your Grammar 🎯
Exercise: What's Possible?
Choose the best option to complete each sentence.
- A: "Where is the manager?" B: "I'm not sure. She _______ be in a meeting."
→ might / may / could - Don't wait for me. I _______ be late tonight because the traffic is bad.
→ might / may - Be careful with that old glass! It _______ break.
→ could / might - He feels very sick, so he _______ come to work tomorrow.
→ might not / may not - This plan is risky. It _______ work, but we should at least try it.
→ may not / might not
Your Grammar Mission ⭐
Make Some Guesses
Write a sentence for each situation using the modal verbs of possibility.
- Look at the sky outside now. Make a prediction for the next hour using "might".
- Your friend did not answer their phone. Give two possible reasons why. Use "may" and "could".
- Think about your plans for next weekend. What is one thing you might do?
Key Vocabulary
- Possibility A chance that something may happen or be true.
- Probability The level of possibility of something happening or being true.
- To Speculate To guess possible answers to a question when you do not have enough information to be certain.
- Certainty The state of being completely confident or having no doubt about something.
- Interchangeable Able to be exchanged with each other without making a difference or without being noticed.