What do they mean?
Modals of possibility show how sure we are. Use may, might, or could for maybe. Use must when we are almost sure something is true. Use can't when we are almost sure something is not true.
It may rain.
It could be true.
He must be tired.
That can't be right.
Ask: how sure am I?
MaybeIt may rain. It might rain. It could rain.Possible.
Almost sure yesHe must be hungry.I have strong evidence.
Almost sure noThat can't be true.I strongly think no.
Use may or might for possible ideas.
The bus may be late.It is possible.Maybe yes.
Ali might join us.Maybe he will join.Often less sure.
They may know the answer.Maybe they know it.Not certain.
Use could for a possible explanation.
The noise could be a cat.That is possible.Possible explanation.
She could be at home.Maybe she is there.Not sure.
This could work.Maybe it will work.Possible result.
Use must when you are almost sure yes.
He is yawning.He must be tired.Strong evidence.
The lights are off.They must be asleep.Almost sure.
CarefulMust here is not obligation.It means logical certainty.
Use can't when you are almost sure no.
That can't be Ali.Ali is in Dubai.Almost sure no.
She can't be hungry.She just ate lunch.Strong evidence.
Not ability hereCan't can mean impossible.Not just unable.
Use may not or might not for maybe no.
She may not come.Maybe she will not come.Possibly not.
We might not finish.Maybe we will not finish.Less certain.
Different from can'tIt might not be true.Maybe no, not almost sure no.
Compare the certainty scale.
Maybe yesIt may/might/could be true.Possible.
Almost sure yesIt must be true.Strong evidence.
Almost sure noIt can't be true.Strong evidence against it.
Use the base verb after modals.
CorrectShe may come.
He must be tired.Base verb.
He must be tired.Base verb.
Not correctShe may comes.
He must to be tired.No -s. No to.
He must to be tired.No -s. No to.
Correct negativeIt can't be true.
They might not come.Modal + not + base verb.
They might not come.Modal + not + base verb.
Choose the correct form.
The sky is cloudy. It ___ later.
Choose the correct form.
Omar is yawning again. He ___ tired.
Choose the almost sure negative.
That ___ be my teacher. She is in another country today.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the best sentence.
Which sentence means maybe no?
Choose the best sentence.
Fill five blanks.
Choose the correct form. Think about possible, almost sure yes, almost sure no, and maybe no.
The sky is dark. It soon.
The sound outside a dog.
Maha got full marks. She happy.
That your phone. Your phone is here.
The puzzle is hard. We it today.
Mixed question types of 5
Answer all five. Then tap Finish test to see your result sheet.
1. Sentence completion
The baby is crying. She ___ hungry.
2. MCQ
Which sentence gives a possible explanation?
3. Type the answer
That ___ be true. I saw the opposite.
4. Type the answer
I am not sure, but we ___ visit tomorrow.
5. MCQ
Which sentence means possibly not?
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