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How do we discuss possibility?
Talking about possibilities involves using language that shows some level of uncertainty about the truth of the ideas expressed. In English, certain modal verbs, adverbs, and fixed expressions are used to talk about possibilities, with different levels of certainty and different time frames.
Using Modals
Four modal verbs can be used to discuss possibility, with different time frames or degrees of certainty:
Can
We use 'can' to indicate that something is logically possible, but not certain. As a modal verb, 'can' is followed by the base form of the verb and has the same form for all subjects. 'Can' refers to either a present or past possibility. Check out the examples.
Accidents can happen when you're not careful.
It can get really cold here in the winter.
Could
We use the modal verb 'could' to refer to a possibility in the past, present, or future. For example:
Back then, problems could take weeks to solve.
past possibility
They could be at home.
present possibility
Prices could go up next month.
future possibility
May and Might
As you know, the modal verb 'might' is the past tense of the modal verb 'may.' However, when talking about possibilities, it does not refer to a past time. Both 'may' and 'might' are used to talk about possibilities in the present or future. The only difference between them is that 'may' is stronger than 'might' and expresses a higher degree of certainty about the possibility.
They may still be at the mall.
There might be delays due to traffic.
Negation
Negating these modals can express two different meanings.
'Cannot' and 'Could Not'
We can use 'cannot' and 'could not' to refer to things that are not possible in the present or future. When we these negated modals or their contracted forms 'can't' and 'couldn't,' we are almost sure that the event is truly impossible to happen.
They cannot be this unhappy.
She cannot spend all her money in one day.
He couldn't be home — his car's not in the driveway.
You couldn't be serious about this!
'May Not' and 'Might Not'
'May not' and 'might not' are used in the negative form, but their meaning differs from that of 'cannot' and 'could not.' They do not show that something is not possible, but that there's a chance that something won't happen or isn't true. Check out the examples for more clarification.
Damon might not come to the party.
This does not mean that it is impossible for him to come to the party, but that there is a probability that he would not come.
They might not like the idea.
Hanna may not accept to marry you.
Our sister may not accept to babysit little Rosie.
Past Possibilities
We can add the auxiliary 'have' and the past participle of the main verb after 'could,' 'may,' and 'might' to talk about possibilities in the past. Remember that 'could have' typically refers to a possibility in the past that did not come true. 'Might have' can also be used in this sense, but it is not always the case. Look at the examples:
They could have won the game, but they made too many mistakes.
Lara might have died if she was there that night.
Here, 'might have' shows a possibility that did not come true.
I might have left my phone at the café.
Here, it refers to a possibility in the past.
He may have forgotten the meeting.
'Cannot Have' and 'Could Not Have'
We use (cannot have + past participle) and (could not have + past participle) to refer to events that are impossible to have happened in the past. They are mostly used in the contracted form. Check out the examples.
Sam can't have talked to her again.
Tina couldn't have failed the exam, she studied hard for it.
Using Expressions
There are some expressions in English that are used to indicate uncertainty about possibility of something. Take a look at the list below:
there is a chance
to be/will be possible
to be likely to happen
Check out some examples to see how they work in sentences:
They are likely to take a trip to Italy this summer.
It will be possible for us to buy that house next year.
Using Adverbs
In English, you can use some 'adverbs' to discuss possibility. Some of the common adverbs of possibility are:
Maybe
Perhaps
Possibly
Probably
Now check out the examples:
Perhaps, I can come over tonight.
She will probably leave town on the weekend.
Quiz:
Which sentence expresses a present possibility using the correct modal?
It can snow in winter.
They may be at the café.
He might have left.
You could eat dinner.
Sort the words to make a sentence.
Choose the sentence that shows something is impossible in the past.
They might have been there yesterday.
She could be busy now.
He can't have done it alone.
We may not go.
Match the sentence on the left with the correct type of possibility on the right.
Fill the blanks with the appropriate modal or adverb. (There is one extra option.)
We
go to the beach tomorrow, but we haven't decided yet.
The drug
have some side effects, but it is necessary for your condition.
You
be serious! You're quitting your job with no plan?
I
left my books in the class.
She'll
miss the train.
Which of the following sentences uses an expression to indicate possibility?
She bought a house in the countryside last year.
He is likely to miss the bus if he doesn't leave soon.
They definitely won the match yesterday.
I am going to the store now.
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