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12.4 Possibility: May, Might, and Could

Weak Possibility or Certainty Strong Possibility or Certainty
May (Not), Might (Not), and Could Couldn’t
The song may become a big hit. I don’t know. The song couldn’t become a hit. It’s terrible.
We might not go to the show. We don’t have tickets yet. He couldn’t be at lunch. He’s in a meeting.
He could be at lunch. I’m not sure. I’ll check.

1. Use may (not), might (not), or could with the base He may like rock music. I’m not sure.
form of a verb to express weak possibility in the I may not go to the party. I might stay home.
present or future. The speaker is not certain. We could go to a movie instead, perhaps?
2. Do not contract may not or might not. ✓ They might not come to the party.
✗ She mightn’t call. She’s been very busy.
3. Remember: Could is used for past ability as well I could climb trees when I was young.
as present and future possibility. We could go to the beach next weekend.
4. Use could not/couldn’t when you are almost He couldn’t be in Paris. He went to London.
certain that an action or situation is not likely. The baby couldn’t want food. She just ate.
5. Be careful! Don’t confuse may be and maybe. ✓ They may be home.
Maybe is an adverb and is usually at the ✓ Maybe they are home.
beginning of a sentence. ✗ They maybe home.

rEAl ENGlIsH
4 Change the sentences from certain to less Use simple present or future if you are certain.
certain. Use may, might, or could.
A: Are you sure they like opera?
B: They love it. I’m sure they’ll go with you.
1. Alisha will become a great D.J. (could)

Alisha could become a great D.J.
2. Eric Clapton plays the guitar better than anyone else. (might)

A DJ in Catalonia, Spain

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