

They are not normally used in their contracted forms. May not and might not convey the idea that a speaker is 50% or less certain that an action is not possible or probable. Using must conveys a strong feeling of certainty nevertheless, there is still some doubt in the speaker’s mind.Ĭould, may and might show that a speaker is 50% or less certain that an action is in progress.Ĭouldn’t and can’t show that the speaker believes strongly that a situation is not taking place.

Must, could, might, may, couldn’t, can’t, may not and might not are used to show how certain the speaker is that an action is presently occurring or not occurring. Person A: I didn’t hear a sound when I passed by the children’s room earlier. We see you again because you have a terrible accident. We also use modals of possibility or probability to make guesses or logical conclusions about past activities.įormula: SUBJECT + APPROPRIATE MODAL + HAVE BEEN + ING VERB Complete the conversation using : must, may, may not, can’t: B: Mum, you are 80 You be mad. English Language Centre / Study Zone / Level 410 Intermediate / Grammar Topics / Future Possibility and Probability Modals - Exercise 1 Future Possibility and Probability Modals - Exercise 1 Choose the correct modal to complete the sentence. Person B: The neighbour’s son is in a rock band. We use modals of possibility or probability to make a guess or draw a logical conclusion about an activity in progress at the present time that is, during the time of speaking.įormula: SUBJECT + APPROPRIATE MODAL + BE + ING VERB
