The expression of possibility & certainty
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This document discusses different words used to express possibility and certainty in English: 1) "May", "might", and "could" are used to express something is possible or quite likely in the present or future. 2) "Must" is used when the speaker is certain something is true based on available information. 3) "Can't" is used to express something is impossible or unable to be done given the circumstances.
The expression of possibility & certainty
- 1. The expression of possibility & certainty May, might, could, must & can’t
- 2. May, might and could We use may or might to say that something is possible or that it is quite likely. We can use them for the present or the future. It may/might be a bomb. (= Perhaps it is a bomb.) I may/might go to the disco tomorrow. (= Perhaps I will go to the disco.) We can use could to say that something is possible. The story could be true, I suppose. (= Possibly it is true.) You could win a million pounds! (= Possibly you will win a million pounds.) Sometimes could means only a small possibility. It is possible (but not likely) that you will win a million pounds. In some situations we can use may, might or could. It may/might/could rain later.
- 3. May, might and could After may, might or could we can use a continuous form (be + an ing-form). That man may/might be watching us. (= Perhaps he is watching us.) Sarah may/might be working late tonight. (= Perhaps she will be working late.) I'm not sure where Matthew is. He could be playing squash. (= Possibly he is playing squash.)
- 4. The negative forms are may not, might not/mightn't, and could not/couldn't. MAY NOT AND MIGHT NOT Something negative is possible. Daniel may not get the job. Tom might not be in. I mightn't finish the marathon tomorrow. (It is possible that I will not finish it.) COULDN'T Something is impossible. Vicky is afraid of heights. She couldn't climb onto the roof. I'm completely unfit. I couldn't run a marathon. (It is impossible for me to run it.)
- 5. Must & Can’t MUST We use must when we realize that something is certainly true. She isn't answering the phone. She must be out. I had my keys a moment ago. They must be here somewhere. Andrew isn't here. He must be working in the library. CAN’T We use can't when we realize that something is impossible. We haven't walked far. You can't be tired yet. Life can't be easy when you have to spend it in a wheelchair. Nick can't be touring Scotland. I saw him hat this morning.