Unit 4.2 Modals of Ability and Possibility

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• havo
• Leerjaar 2

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Modals of Ability and Possibility

View the grammar in your Student's Book on page: 128

Making predictions: Talking about possibility 

We use the modals might and  may  to make a guess about the future.

Very little difference between may and might.

When we use may or might we are not certain.

My mother said it might snow this weekend. (positive)

If that's the case, I may go for a long walk. (positive)

My mother said it might not snow this weekend. (negative)

If that's the case, I may not go for a long walk. (negative)

Making predictions: Talking about certainty

We use the modal will when we are certain about something.  

He will go on a virtual date. (positive)

It won't be very romantic. (negative)

Example of a question: Will they go out for dinner?

Positive short answer: Yes, they will.

Negative short answer: No, they won't.

Talking about certainty

We use adverbs of probability with will to make predictions more or less certain. Example: I will definitely go to the concert.

Remember:

Maybe goes at the beginning of a sentence.

Maybe you'll play board games.

If we keep working this well, I'm certain we……….. to hand in the project before the deadline next week.

1. can
2. will be able to
3. might
4. could

You should take a raincoat with you, it ……………rain.

1. can
2. will be able to
3. might
4. may

My sister studies in Edinburgh this semester, so you ... have seen her here in Rotterdam yesterday.

1. will
2. won't
3. might not
4. may not

I ... finish my school research paper this week, but I also have an English test for which I still have to study a lot.

1. might
2. might not
3. will
4. won't

When you choose a fairy tale for a young child to read, it ... contain language which is too difficult.

1. might not
2. may not
3. might
4. may

We probably ... have the party next week, because the weather isn't great.

1. will
2. won't
3. may
4. might

I ... definitely go to university when I leave school. I really want to continue studying.

1. may
2. might
3. will
4. won't

The End.

Please complete the work in your books:

Student's Book page: 34-35

Workbook page: 23