Modals of Ability and Possibility

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• havo
• Leerjaar 2

Welcome!
Which Golden Retriever are you today?

Modals of Ability and Possibility

Talking about ability

The modals can and will indicated someone's or something's ability to do something. 

We can write rhyming and free verse poems. 

We will be able to write more poems if we practice more.

Talking about ability

We can write rhyming and free verse poems. 

We will be able to write more poems if we practice more.

Can: ability

Will be able to: future ability

Talking about possibility

The modals might, may and could are used to make a guess about the present or future.

I could write an excellent poem if I got on with it.

My mother said it might snow this weekend.

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

Talking about possibility

They mean the same and are interchangable in most situations. 

could: making a guess about the present or future

might / may: making a guess about the present or future

My friend might come over tomorrow / 

my friend could come over tomorrow
.

Practice
Nowadays, people ………….. access information at the touch of a finger.

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

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

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

If we keep working this well, 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. could

Have a wonderful day!