Modal verbs: degrees of certainty

• Engels
• Secundair onderwijs

What if ... 

you found out you won 

MEGA MILLIONS?

We asked a few people what they would likely do if they found out they won the lottery. 

Let's find out what they had to say. 

Katie 

"I just got my driver's licence so I will definitely buy a new car. I will be careful though. I won't drink and drive"

How likely do you think it is that Katie buys a car?

1. (almost) certain
2. likely / possible
3. uncertain / unlikely
4. almost impossible

How likely do you think it is that Katie doesn't drink and drive?

1. (almost) certain
2. likely / possible
3. uncertain / unlikely
4. almost impossible

Dean 

"I love ink! I could get a new tatoo. Only question is where? I don't have a  lot of room for a new one ... "

How likely do you think it is that Dean gets a new tatoo?

1. (almost) certain
2. likely / possible
3. uncertain / unlikely
4. almost impossible

Charlotte 

"Me and my mom are very close. I really must tell her about it. It will make her so happy."

How likely do you think it is that Charlotte will tell her mother she won the lottery?

1. (almost) certain
2. likely / possible
3. uncertain / unlikely
4. almost impossible

Michael 

"I enjoy spending time on my own, so I might buy my own private island. It won't be easy to get there though ..."

How likely do you think it is that Michael will buy his own private island?

1. (almost) certain
2. likely / possible
3. uncertain / unlikely
4. almost impossible

The Radford family

"A big family costs quite a lot of money. We may buy new mini vans to drive everyone around. Or we could invest in a new house."

How likely do you think it is that the Radford family will buy new mini vans?

1. (almost) certain
2. likely / possible
3. uncertain / unlikely
4. almost impossible

Peter and Ruth

"We really love to travel! So a trip is the way to go for us. We can take a cruise on the Mediterranean or we can go for a road trip in California." 

How likely do you think it is that Peter and Ruth will go on a cruise?

1. (almost) certain
2. likely / possible
3. uncertain / unlikely
4. almost impossible

Jack

"That's me lying on the floor. My wife is wearing a red t-shirt. She says I can't tell my friends I won. It will only cause problems. "

How likely do you think it is that Jack will tell his friends?

1. (almost) certain
2. likely / possible
3. uncertain / unlikely
4. almost impossible

How likely do you think it is that it would cause problems if Jack told his friends?

1. (almost) certain
2. likely / possible
3. uncertain / unlikely
4. almost impossible

Will and must both express certainty. Put them in the correct order. Most certain comes FIRST.

1

2

WILL

MUST

Could, may and can express possibility. But one is more possible than the other. Put them in the correct order. Most possible comes FIRST.

1

2

3

COULD

MAY

CAN