Certainty, possibility and probability

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 5

CAE: Grammar page 45

You can:

- recognize the modal verbs of possibility, probability and certainty

- use these modals correctly

MODAL VERBS 

WILL, MUST, SHOULD, OUGHT TO, WOULD, COULD, MAY, MIGHT

We use those modals to talk about what can happen in the future (for example when we discuss the new environmental project)

RIVER DAM

I am certain that it will endanger water species

But I think that it may also solve the problem of frequent floodings. It might even be a source of work for the inhabitants. 

WHICH MODALS express certainty (zekerheid)?

1. could, may, might
2. should, would, ought to
3. will, must, can't, couldn't

WHICH MODALS express probability (waarschijnlijkheid)?

1. will, must
2. should, ought to, would
3. could, might, may

WHICH MODALS express possibility (mogelijkheid)?

1. will, must
2. should, would, ought to
3. could, might, may

I'm not sure I'm going to pass the exam. I don't feel very confident.
I.......... pass the exam. I don't feel very confident.

1. might not
2. might
3. couldn't have
4. can't

I'm sure she doesn't speak French very well - she's only lived in Paris for a few weeks.
She ....... speak French very well. She's only lived in Paris for a few weeks.

1. might
2. can't
3. could have
4. must

They're coming this week but I don't know which day.
They ........ be coming tomorrow.

1. might
2. can
3. could
4. might

Fill in the gap in this sentence with the correct modal verb combination:
Her face seemed familiar. We.......(meet) somewhere before.

I'm sure he is here - I can see his car in front of the building.
He ......be here. I can see his car in front of the building.

1. might
2. can
3. could have
4. must

My key's not in my pocket or on my desk so I'm sure it's in the drawer.
My key's not in my pocket or on my desk so it .......
be in the drawer.

1. might
2. can
3. could have
4. must

I've bought a lottery ticket. There's a chance I'll become a millionaire!
I ....... become a millionaire!

1. might
2. may
3. could
4. must

Fill in the gap in this sentence with the correct modal verb combination:
She........(be) at the party, but I didn't see her.

Work on grammar page 45

exc 1-3-4

Work on grammar page 45 exc 1 - 3  -4

Extra practise

www.perfect-english-grammar.com