Possibility: 'might', 'may', 'could'
A2 ElementaryUse 'might', 'may', and 'could' to talk about things that are possible now or in the future. These modal verbs show that you are not 100% certain about a situation.
Overview
We use might, may, and could when we think something is possible but we are not sure. In most everyday situations, these three words have the same meaning and are interchangeable.
- Might is very common in spoken English.
- May is slightly more formal.
- Could suggests a possibility among other options.
Form
subject + might/may/could + base verb
Modal verbs do not change for different subjects (I, you, he, she, it, we, they). They are always followed by the base form of the verb without 'to'.
Examples
Common mistakes
It might to snow tomorrow.
It might snow tomorrow.
Never use 'to' after modal verbs like might, may, or could.
She mays arrive late.
She may arrive late.
Do not add -s to modal verbs for the third person (he/she/it).
It couldn't be true.
It might not be true.
Use 'might not' or 'may not' for negative possibility. 'Could not' often means something is impossible, which is a stronger meaning.
Practice
Choose the correct sentence: A) He mights come. B) He might come. C) He might to come.
Show answer
B
Answer:B
Why:Modal verbs like 'might' do not take an -s for third-person subjects and are followed by the base verb without 'to'.
Complete the sentence for a 50% possibility: 'I ____ (go) to the party, but I'm tired.'
Show answer
might go / may go / could go
Answer:might go / may go / could go
Why:Any of the three modals followed by the base verb 'go' correctly expresses possibility.
True or False: 'It may not rain' means the same as 'It cannot rain'.
Show answer
False
Answer:False
Why:'May not' means it is possible that it won't rain. 'Cannot' means it is impossible for it to rain.