Lesson XI: Modals

A.4. Modals Indicate Probabilities/Possibilities Previous patterns: John CAN PLAY the piano. I think they WILL MOVE TO New York Marcia MAY LEAVE the class. Some modals indicate probabilities/possibilities: Modal Similar Meaning Probability High MUST IT IS HIGHLY PROBABLE THAT … ↓ MAY IT IS VERY POSSIBLE THAT … ↓ MIGHT IT IS POSSIBLE THAT … ↓ … … Possibility Remote New patterns: … Modal-AF … Probability/Possibility ... Modal+Base-AF … … She MUST BE at home. Probability high (about 90%) She MAY BE at home. Very possible (more than 50%) She MIGHT BE at home. Possible (about 50%) Exercise: A.4.1. Practice MUST, MAY and MIGHT Use the correct modal action form to rephrase the statements. For example: It is highly probable that she is somewhere over there. SHE MUST BE SOMEWHERE OVER THERE. It is possible that Marcia and Zhu are at Marcia's place. MARCIA AND ZHU MIGHT BE AT MARCIA'S PLACE. It is very possible that they will come with their friends . THEY MAY COME WITH THEIR FRIENDS . 1. It ' s possible that he is going to go to Boston tomorrow. 2. It ' s very possible that she will make a pie for dessert. 3. It ' s possible that she’ s waiting for us. 4. It ' s possible that John will take another course. 5. It ' s very possible that they' re at the concert. 6. It ' s highly probable that Marcia is in love with him. 7. It ' s possible that they will visit us this evening. 8. It ' s very possible that Peter will ask her to come with him. 9. It ' s highly probable that they’ re attending the course.