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Adverbs of possibility exercises pdf1/1/2023 ![]() ![]() The future is expressed by the present tense forms. The modal verbs may, might, could in the meaning “possibility” form two tenses: the present and the past. Compare: May I come in? (polite) Might I come in? (very formal, very polite) The verb might may be used in polite requests for permission in the same way as may, but such use of might is very formal. He could have been sleeping when I called him.Also, the perfect infinitive of the main verb after these modal verbs usually signals that the meaning is “possibility”. Quite often, the use of the infinitive be after the modal verbs may, might, could is an indication that the meaning is “possibility”. May I leave now? (request for permission). ![]() May and could can express several meanings. The context, as usual, is the most reliable means of recognizing the meaning of modal verbs in this or that situation: The main meaning of might is “possibility”. The modal verbs may, might, could are very close synonyms in the meaning “possibility”, though may expresses a bit stronger possibility than might or could. He might have been sick. He could have been too tired to go to the party. Why didn’t he go to the party yesterday? He may have been busy.He might be in the attic. He could be in the garage. Where is Mike? He may be in the garden.May, might, could are used to express a weak degree of certainty (less than 50% certainty). The speaker thinks that something is possible, but doesn’t know for sure and implies “maybe, perhaps”. Possibility is expressed by the modal verbs may, might, could. ![]() The word “possibility” means that something is possible. Modal Verbs of Possibility: may, might, could ![]()
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