This could not be the only book available.Might not shows that something probably will not happen in the future.Ĭould not shows that something is impossible. but in after am, is, are, was, were: They are definitely at home. Will they definitely be there We will possibly come to England next year. Might not shows that something probably is not true. Which sentence is correct We may to go to a concert next week. Other adverbs of possibility usually come in front of the main verb: He is certainly coming to the party. Must can be used in the same way to show certainty in the past.Īlthough might and could express possibility in a similar way, the negative forms of might and could are different. May, might, and could are all used to show possibility in the past. Have to is much less formal than must, and is common in conversation.
They are adverbs of degree and probability. (Although it seems obvious, it is not a fact that the runner is tired.) Adverbs of Probability : There is a group of adverbials that come before the main verb and after the (first) special verb if there is one. In this sentence certainly shows us the probability. (Although it seems obvious, it is not a fact that the runner is tired.) Adverbs of probability include certainly, definitely, doubtless, maybe, perhaps, possibly, probably etc. Present: Where are my keys? They could be in the car.įuture: We could go to the party tonight.Ĭertainty, or the belief of certainty, from the speaker. Something is possible in the present or future.
Might is less formal than may, and is more common in conversation
This modal verbs for possibility lesson shows you how to use them all correctly in English. ELC Study Zone: Modals of Possibility and Probability for Past Situations. Several modal verbs show possibility, including might, may, could, and must. Adverbs of certainty go before the main verb unless the main verb is 'to be', in which case the adverb of certainty goes after.