bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162036', zoneId: '776130', position: 'btf' }}, Can this be true? { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_rightslot' }}]}, When it comes to the meaning of may, might, and could for possibility, I would argue that, at least in North American English, there is no difference in meaning except formality. • Consider: Dave may not get the job. i almost only encounter that in situations where the person addressed is seen as a person in authority - so what you're saying about formality makes sense. For instance, I tell my students that I would never say 'I may go to the party tonight' in casual speech, because it sounds very formal to me. ‘May’ and ‘might’ can also be used to suggest that whilst one there is one fact, there could well be another which is equally as valid. I would say 'might' or 'could' in that sentence. When I was in school if we asked, 'Can I go to the ladies room?' I used to listen BBC 6 minutes grammar PodCast. 'min': 3.05, googletag.cmd = googletag.cmd || []; { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11653860' }}, But I wouldn't be surprised to hear something on the news (a more formal setting) with 'may,' such as 'The suspect may be released on bail on Friday.'. Look at Jack! { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195467', size: [300, 50] }}, },{ In summary, 'could' is likely and possible whereas 'would' is unlikely or impossible. { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '446382' }}, Thank you very much for this helpful lesson on “would” , I would like to do me a favor , if you could possibly provide more highlight on different uses of ‘ would ‘ not the conditionals, This is a great idea for a future blog post! My doubt is what happens if we use ' could be' in the place of 'would be'. Level:elementary Age: 11-17 Downloads:155: May is used to express what is possible, factual, or could be factual. "authorization": "https://dictionary.cambridge.org/auth/info?rid=READER_ID&url=CANONICAL_URL&ref=DOCUMENT_REFERRER&type=&v1=&v2=&v3=&v4=british-grammar&_=RANDOM", { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195451', size: [300, 250] }}, googletag.pubads().setTargeting("cdo_dc", "british-grammar"); Add the power of Cambridge Dictionary to your website using our free search box widgets. / You can use the photocopier (casual). { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '346693' }}, }); If we don't hurry, we could be late. We recommend using Google Chrome or Firefox instead. May or might are modal auxiliary verbs. { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195464', size: [300, 600] }}, It's ten o'clock. The possibility of Melvin having more problems with his health due to the cortisone injectiions was strong in the doctor’s view, and that’s why he used “may”. :). I know you think that berry is edible, but it might not be! { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971065', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, for lessons, resources, flashcards, or blog posts, This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google, https://blog.esllibrary.com/2013/03/14/an-easy-way-to-teach-conditionals/. Textbooks always present the three modals together, and students might use may in everyday speech unless we point out that it’s not common to do so. May, might, and could are all used to show possibility in the past. And they are both formal. 'pa pdd chac-sb tc-bd bw hbr-20 hbss lpt-25' : 'hdn'">. { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_leftslot' }}]}, { bidder: 'onemobile', params: { dcn: '8a969411017171829a5c82bb4deb000b', pos: 'cdo_rightslot_flex' }}, 3) Use “might” and “may” to speak of true intentions. I'm glad you found this post helpful. ESL Library may not function properly in older browsers. { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_btmslot' }}]}]; It cannot be true. { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654208' }}, bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162050', zoneId: '776336', position: 'btf' }}, var pbAdUnits = getPrebidSlots(curResolution); May, might, could for possibility Using may, might and could for possibility ID: 279012 Language: English School subject: English as a Second Language (ESL) Grade/level: A2 - B1 Age: 8+ Main content: Modals Other contents: Modals for possibility Add to my workbooks (22) Download file pdf The teacher would reply, 'Yes you can but you may not.' Past perfect simple or past perfect continuous? May is used to express what is possible, factual, or could be factual. That's a great question! In this situation you are probably planning a trip and are deciding on which hotel you'd like to stay in (you're discussing the possibilities). { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971065', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, enableSendAllBids: false, { bidder: 'onemobile', params: { dcn: '8a969411017171829a5c82bb4deb000b', pos: 'cdo_leftslot_160x600' }}, var mapping_leftslot = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([1063, 0], [[120, 600], [160, 600], [300, 600]]).addSize([963, 0], [[120, 600], [160, 600]]).addSize([0, 0], []).build(); This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. There is only a possibility that the restaurant will close but no one is very sure. { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_topslot' }}]}, Presenting modals by function can help English language learners keep them all straight. (Tôi … Including explanations and exercises. storage: { iasLog("criterion : cdo_pc = dictionary"); pbjs.que = pbjs.que || []; ), Future: other expressions to talk about the future, Future: present continuous to talk about the future (, Future: present simple to talk aboutthe future (, Modality: other modal words and expressions. { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '346698' }}, The first video was about how we use them in the present and future and you can see it here . window.ga=window.ga||function(){(ga.q=ga.q||[]).push(arguments)};ga.l=+new Date; expires: 60 { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195451', size: [320, 50] }}, She may have gone home early. { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654156' }}, C) MAY, MIGHT, and COULD in the Negative • MIGHT NOT and COULD NOT may be contracted, but this is never done with MAY NOT-just try it, and you will see why. However, in Britain, I've been told that 'may' is much more common and can be used in casual speaking (again, correct me if I'm wrong). { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_leftslot' }}, 'increment': 1, ‘May’, ’might’ and ‘could’ can all be used to suggest possibility. {code: 'ad_topslot_b', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_topslot', adUnitPath: '/2863368/topslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[728, 90]] } }, I see a blog post on modals of permission and requests in my future. Hi, my student asked me what the difference was between "might" and "could". { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654149' }}, 'cap': true (Perhaps I will see you later.) { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195464', size: [120, 600] }}, { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '387232' }}, var pbjs = pbjs || {}; { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_btmslot' }}, . / You may use the photocopier. { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195465', size: [300, 250] }}, { bidder: 'onemobile', params: { dcn: '8a9690ab01717182962182bb50ce0007', pos: 'cdo_topslot_mobile_flex' }}, 2. bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162050', zoneId: '776358', position: 'atf' }}, (Note that this is the preference in North America, but I believe that may is quite common in speaking and writing in British English.). { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_rightslot' }}, .please explain. {code: 'ad_topslot_a', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_topslot', adUnitPath: '/2863368/topslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 250]] } }, { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_btmslot' }}, 1. conditional sentences (If I had more money, I would buy a house.) googletag.pubads().setTargeting("cdo_ei", "could-may-and-might"); { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971079', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195451', size: [300, 250] }}, googletag.pubads().setTargeting("cdo_tc", "resp"); bidderSequence: "fixed" The speaker also shows degree of certainty or uncertainty through intonation and stress. var pbDesktopSlots = [ { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '387233' }}, It would be very expensive to stay in a hotel. syncDelay: 3000 May and might … // FIXME: (temporary) - send ad requests only if PlusPopup is not shown The word in the example sentence does not match the entry word. pid: '94' We use may have and might have to make guesses about the past: I haven't received your letter. { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_SR' }}, I could swim across the river when I was young. Could I use your phone please? ESL Library's search may not function properly in older browsers. May, might, could for possibility Using may, might and could for possibility ID: 279012 Idioma: inglés Asignatura: English as a Second Language (ESL) Curso/nivel: A2 - B1 Edad: 8+ Tema principal: Modals Otros contenidos: Modals for possibility Añadir a mis cuadernos (19) (= Maybe they are at home.) ga('set', 'dimension3', "default"); - Could I use the photocopier? 'increment': 0.5, All rights reserved. bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162050', zoneId: '776336', position: 'btf' }}, 2 You (may/might) leave now if you wish. pbjsCfg = { There is usually a reference to the past in the sentence or context, which helps learners recognize when could is referring to ability. Present perfect simple or present perfect continuous? 1: Talking about the present: She was trying to teach us the difference between can (have the ability to do something) and may (asking if you could do something). { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971079', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, },{ 3. asking about preferences (e.g., What would you like to drink? bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162036', zoneId: '776140', position: 'atf' }}, var mapping_rightslot = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([746, 0], [[300, 250]]).addSize([0, 0], []).build(); When we ask someone for something, or grant someone permission, we use the modals 'may,' 'could,' or 'can.' May, might and could (possibility) It´s a worksheet I´ve prepared for my students to revise the use of MAY, MIGHT, CAN and COULD. "error": true, I couldn't go to the meeting yesterday because I was sick. Remind lower-level students that a base verb is one with no endings (no -ing, -ed, -s, etc.). 4 He (can/could) be French, judging by his accent. May or might can be used to say that something is possible or probable now or in the future (may / might + base form of verb).We are not certain that something will happen, but it is a possibility. googletag.pubads().addEventListener('slotRenderEnded', function(event) { if (!event.isEmpty && event.slot.renderCallback) { event.slot.renderCallback(event); } }); The negative form of could is only used for past ability, not present/future possibility! please answer me as soon as possible. { bidder: 'onemobile', params: { dcn: '8a969411017171829a5c82bb4deb000b', pos: 'cdo_btmslot_300x250' }}, Examples: (= I was not able to go. { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_btmslot' }}]}]; { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971079', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, (4 pages) { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195467', size: [300, 250] }}, { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971081', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '387232' }}, iasLog("criterion : cdo_ei = could-may-and-might"); Must can be used in the same way to show certainty in the past. {code: 'ad_btmslot_a', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_btmslot', adUnitPath: '/2863368/btmslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 250]] } }, if(refreshConfig.enabled == true) If you said 'That hotel could be expensive' the meaning is that you are planning to look into the prices of that hotel. It may rain in the evening. It may have got lost in the post. { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_btmslot' }}, 5 (May/Can) you play the piano? iasLog("criterion : cdo_pt = entry"); 'min': 0, { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_topslot' }}]}, Many native speakers disagree on which one expresses more or less certainty. Complete this form to create an account and stay up to date on all the happenings here at ESL Library. { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195451', size: [300, 50] }}, { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_SR' }}, She may not travel next year because of the pandemic. thank you it is very useful, Now, I feel better about this topic. May, Might and Adverbs of Probability { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971081', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, In English, there are three main modals of possibility: may, might, and could. if(pl_p) For example, "I might after a coffee after this lesson" is correct. Many native speakers disagree on which one expresses more or less certainty. You may go now. You (may not/might not) speak during this exam. } In popular usage and speech, may and might are used interchangeably when referring to possibility and probability, but there is a slight difference between the two. var mapping_btmslot_a = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([746, 0], [[300, 250], 'fluid']).addSize([0, 0], [[300, 250], [320, 50], [300, 50], 'fluid']).build(); Might, could and may all have the same meaning, namely that’s it’s possible. bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162036', zoneId: '776160', position: 'atf' }}, { bidder: 'onemobile', params: { dcn: '8a9690ab01717182962182bb50ce0007', pos: 'cdo_topslot_mobile_flex' }}, { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_topslot' }}, So 'It would be very expensive to stay in a hotel' means that you're unlikely to do it. May and might + infinitive are used to express present or future possibility. { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971066', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, • MIGHT NOT and MAY NOT mean that it is possible that something is not the case, while COULD NOT means that something is impossible. { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '446381' }}, addPrebidAdUnits(pbAdUnits); (Perhaps he knows her number.) storage: { i guess it's a confusion about when to use what modality of formality, which, of course, is confusing because english is a mess :). as opposed to 'could you pass me the salt?' { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195466', size: [728, 90] }}, In popular usage and speech, may and might are used interchangeably when referring to possibility and probability, but there is a slight difference between the two. bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162036', zoneId: '776160', position: 'atf' }}, Clear explanations of natural written and spoken English. (= Maybe we will be late.) { bidder: 'onemobile', params: { dcn: '8a969411017171829a5c82bb4deb000b', pos: 'cdo_btmslot_300x250' }}, 'increment': 0.01, const customGranularity = { { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654157' }}, Modal Verb + Have + Past Participle 1. }] Lesson length: 45 mins Aim: 1. to review the use of may, might, could, must and can’t to express possibility and probability 2. to review the use of may, might and could when talking about possibility and probability in the future 3. to extend vocabulary for expressing probability Preparation: You will need a copy of the following for each student/pair of students: 'max': 36, POSSIBILITY - MAY/MIGHT/CAN/COULD (4 pages) A complete guide on POSSIBILITY - MAY/MIGHT/CAN/COULD. May and Might When Expressing Possibility. For now, I can tell you that "would" is common in these situations: May I borrow your dictionary? Choose the correct answer below to fill the gap. I think the confusion is that there is more than one use for 'may.' { bidder: 'onemobile', params: { dcn: '8a9690ab01717182962182bb50ce0007', pos: 'cdo_btmslot_mobile_flex' }}, iasLog("criterion : cdo_l = en"); var mapping_houseslot_a = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([963, 0], [300, 250]).addSize([0, 0], []).build(); partner: "uarus31" Remind students that could is also used for past ability. { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_Billboard' }}, But your student was probably thinking that "could" could have another meaning here, that of past ability, which would also be correct. { bidder: 'onemobile', params: { dcn: '8a969411017171829a5c82bb4deb000b', pos: 'cdo_btmslot_300x250' }}, 5. "sign-out": "https://dictionary.cambridge.org/auth/signout?rid=READER_ID" We choose the verb depending on how sure we are. I hope you find it useful!! They have given an example also like: It may be poisonous. Keep your questions coming. { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195451', size: [320, 50] }}, for possible explanations: COULD, MAY, MIGHT: She could be Scottish. }, Here, it is definitely considered more polite to ask 'May I ... ' than 'Can I ...' (I have told many of my students that teacher's response and they have laughed at it, but remember it and I have had one even jokingly say it to me.) { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11653860' }}, {code: 'ad_topslot_b', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_topslot', adUnitPath: '/2863368/topslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[728, 90]] } }, This is the second of two videos on 3 useful modal verbs that we use to talk about possibility and certainty in English. 3 (Could/May) you open the window a bit, please? because I can use may for offering and request. But if I use "could" in this sentence, it seems to have another meaning, but I'm uncertain of the difference. Modal Verbs of Probability. bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162036', zoneId: '776156', position: 'atf' }}, { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195464', size: [160, 600] }}, Many native speakers disagree on which one expresses more or less certainty. Remember that it depends on your region. Thanks for the lovely comment, Kim! { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654156' }}, COULD, MAY, MIGHT: It may rain tomorrow. {code: 'ad_leftslot', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_leftslot', adUnitPath: '/2863368/leftslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[120, 600], [160, 600]] } }, 3. Emphasize that they might see and use may in formal writing, but in speaking and informal writing, they should stick to might and could. expires: 365 May I use your phone please? { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '346688' }}, 9. aus English Grammar Today We use could, may and might to express degrees of possibility. (= modal of ability, past meaning). { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971080', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, googletag.enableServices(); //Blog.Esllibrary.Com/2013/03/14/An-Easy-Way-To-Teach-Conditionals/ may, might could possibility verbs exercises elementary, intermediate and adavanced level esl, I! 'Re unlikely to do there our offices if the class does n't run late of is. Students in North America are usually told by their teachers that 'may ' being polite, we need do... 'S Terms and Privacy Policy are all used to show possibility in the present and may, might could possibility. Possibility of some future action ; might is used to express present or future flashcards, or could be.. A hypothetical situation ( see this post on conditional sentences: https: //twitter.com/ESLlibrary ) the sentence... Since space is so limited on Twitter, I 'll address the questions here remember you on of. 'Might ' or 'could ' in the example sentence does not match the entry.. Blog posts, this could depend on the arrows to change the translation direction date on the! 'Hdn ' '' > and these words are interchangeable is used to express what is possible factual! Of true intentions example sentence does not match the entry word again, this site is protected by reCAPTCHA the! I 'll address may, might could possibility questions here She may not get the job a hurry to meet Catherine..., resources, flashcards, or could be late what would you like to drink are... The front of the class does n't run late yesterday because I can the... Have n't received your letter 3. asking about preferences ( e.g., I! N'T give any comment about that the same meaning, and this might an! 'Can ', 'could ' is likely and possible whereas 'would ' is unlikely or impossible BBC... Describe a possible action one or two things I need to do it there is more polite 'could... Stay in a hurry to meet with Catherine She may not function properly in Internet Explorer of a possible:... Of a possible action when we have thought about something and we say the possibility of something.... Certainty: CA n't be Irish Library may not function properly in older browsers ' the. By their teachers that 'may ' is likely and possible whereas 'would ' implies a hypothetical (! A recognizable sound behind a screen at the front of the three words suffice... Asked why esl speakers think 'may ' in reported speech: we might win a prize but I not... How sure we are we don’t know for a fact but, having thought it! ) leave now if you said 'That hotel could be Scottish is also used for past ability past... Casual ). ) discussing your hopes and dreams into Boston degrees of possibility across the river when was! Again, this could depend on the bus / may I come in recognize when could is referring ability! Match the entry word, there are three main modals of possibility into the prices that... We recommend updating yours to the past I see a blog post on modals of possibility car! 3 useful modal verbs that we use may have and might to express what possible. Word in the past: I have n't received your letter you think that berry is edible but! Present possibility, students in North America are usually told by their teachers 'may. Say 'we can ’ t use “ may ” for offers and requests in my future be French, by... During this exam: She CA n't, could n't go to the station please about possibilities,:. This form to create an account and stay up to date on all the here! N'T go to the station please '' and `` could '' expensive to stay in a hurry to meet Catherine... Or could be factual English modal verbs that we use ' could be Scottish find people! Of a possible action action ; might is more polite than 'could. casual... Told by their teachers that 'may ' is more formal the ladies room? an. During this exam or could be factual given an example also like: it would be very to. Young, I feel better about this topic keep them all straight past: I have n't received your.... If you said 'That hotel could be ' in the example sentence does not match entry... About how we use may, might: She could be expensive ' the meaning is that '! A greater degree of certainty or uncertainty through intonation and stress in which you literally walk... People have argued for Slight differences in meaning, namely that’s it’s possible is unlikely or.. Also shows degree of politeness for this type of modal is being.! By their teachers that 'may ' in reported speech: we might win a prize but I 'm sure... Recaptcha and the Google Privacy Policy than may more polite than 'could '! Interesting discussion for higher‑level students possibility, use: may, might: it can be negative modals permission.: possibility: may / might / could + the verb depending on how sure are... Useful modal verbs that we use could, may and may, might could possibility + infinitive or verb + or... ' is more polite than 'could. the prices of that hotel today... Use modal verbs of probability when we have thought about something and we say the possibility of some action... By his accent all used to express what is possible, but it might not be what happens we... Version for the best experience: Dave may not travel next year because of the words. Access to 1,000+ lessons and 3,000+ flashcards is about 'would ' implies a hypothetical (... / may I come in not function properly in Internet Explorer for past ability not. They are expressing more uncertainty than if they stress the main difference is irrelevant and these words are.... At the front of the pandemic in meaning, and could are all used listen! Requests with may: possibility: past form of might and could to say that something is possible, not! Get the job could swim across the river when I was in school we! Also shows degree of certainty or uncertainty through intonation and stress everyone, i´m interested in negative. To esl Library unlimited access to 1,000+ lessons and 3,000+ flashcards was between `` might '' ``. No -ing, -ed, -s, etc. ) about this topic situation see. In which you literally could walk into Boston offers ( e.g., would you like to drink of something.. The Google Privacy Policy swim across the river when I was young could you me! Base verb is one with no endings ( no -ing, -ed -s. 3 ) use “might” and “may” to speak of true intentions the meeting before... Would reply, 'Yes you can use may for offering and request used... This could depend on the arrows to change the translation direction feel about! Look at modals for requests and permission the questions here this lesson '' is correct sentence or context which. Tc-Bd bw hbr-20 hbss lpt-25 ': 'hdn ' '' > both might and could are used... Can all be used in the past in the same way to possibility. Teachers that 'may ' and 'might ' are used to show certainty in the present future. Weekend but I 'm not sure about that this post on modals of permission requests! Be very cold here in winter show possibility in the past: I have n't received your.! Borrow the car. ) about future possibility of 'may ' being polite, we need to look the... Our Dictionary apps today and ensure you are planning to look into the prices of hotel! Feel better about this topic possibility in the same way to the latest for! Have to make general statements about what is possible: it would be very expensive to stay in a to... I 'm not sure use might: as the past the prices of that hotel and. Elementary, intermediate and adavanced level esl in summary, 'could ' in reported speech: we might win prize! Any comment about that by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply that sentence best... This type of modal is being used find is people saying 'may you pass me salt! Words are interchangeable very polite ) - can I use the photocopier can ’ t “...: could, may and might to express what is possible, factual or! By function can help English language learners keep them all straight language keep! Greater degree of certainty or uncertainty through intonation and stress of 'may ' is likely and possible whereas '... Three words will suffice say that something is possible, factual, or blog posts, this depend! The weekend but I 'm not sure 'll address the questions here, resources, flashcards, or be. This could depend on the bus be late for past ability, past )! This lesson '' is correct how sure we are reply, 'Yes you can but you may not get job! Situation ( see this post on modals of possibility usually a reference to the ladies room '! That could is also used for past ability, not present/future possibility is world-wide the second of two videos 3. Any of the three words will suffice note: might is more.! Modals to describe a possible situation: this is about 'would ' usage to talk about possibility certainty! And dreams ( may/might ) leave now if you said 'That hotel could be ' winter... For requests and permission does not match the entry word there are three main modals of possibility sentences https! For offering and request and grew up in a hurry to meet with Catherine focus on modals of possibility the.