Modals of Possibility - May, Might and Could - Learn English Grammar

Summary

This video tutorial covers the essential rules and usage of modal verbs, focusing on modals of possibility: may, might, and could. It explains key guidelines, such as modals not changing for pronouns, their use with infinitives without 'to,' and their role in expressing possibilities. The video provides examples to clarify the subtle differences in meaning, such as how 'could' in the negative suggests impossibility. Viewers also learn when to use 'may' vs. 'might,' as well as how modals can be used in continuous forms. By the end, the viewer will have a clear understanding of how to use these modals correctly in everyday situations.

Takeaways

• 😀 Modal verbs do not change with pronouns (e.g., I must go, he must go).
• 😀 Modal verbs are always followed by the base form of the verb (without 'to').
• 😀 Negative modals use 'not' or 'n't' (e.g., might not, may not).
• 😀 In questions, the subject and the modal verb invert (e.g., 'Could it rain?' not 'Do it could rain?').
• 😀 Modals have no past form, meaning they cannot be changed into past tense.
• 😀 Modals can change their meaning depending on the context, e.g., 'may' can express possibility or permission.
• 😀 Native speakers tend to use modals of possibility (may, might, could) instead of constructions like 'It is possible it will rain'.
• 😀 'May', 'might', and 'could' are used to express possibility (e.g., 'It may rain', 'It could rain').
• 😀 'Could' in the negative expresses impossibility (e.g., 'It couldn't be true' means it’s not possible it’s true).
• 😀 'Might' is used for unreal situations, whereas 'may' is used for real possibilities (e.g., 'If I were in your position, I might look for another job').

Q & A

What are the 9 pure modal verbs mentioned in the script?

The 9 pure modal verbs are: must, might, may, will, would, can, could, shall, and should.

What is a key rule about how modal verbs change with pronouns?

Modal verbs do not change based on the pronoun; they remain the same for all pronouns. For example, 'I must go', 'You must go', and 'He must go'.

What is the rule about how modal verbs are followed by verbs?

Modal verbs are followed by the infinitive form of the verb without 'to'. For example, 'It might rain', not 'It might to rain'.

What happens in negative sentences with modal verbs?

In negative sentences, 'not' or the contraction 'n't' is added to the modal verb. For example, 'He might not win' or 'He mightn't win'.

How are modal verbs used in questions?

In questions, the subject and the modal verb are inverted. For example, 'Could it rain?' instead of 'It could rain.'

Why don't modal verbs have past forms?

Modal verbs do not have past forms because they do not change based on the subject or time, as explained by the first rule.

What is the difference between 'may' and 'might' in terms of possibility?

'May' and 'might' are often interchangeable when expressing possibility, but 'might' is used in unreal situations. For example, 'If I were you, I might look for another job.'

How do modal verbs 'may', 'might', and 'could' express possibility?

'May', 'might', and 'could' are used to express possibility, such as 'She may be in the garden', 'She might be at work', and 'He could know where she is.'

What does the negative form of 'could' mean?

The negative form of 'could' (e.g., 'couldn't') means that something is not possible. For example, 'It couldn't be true' means it is not possible that it is true.

Can modal verbs be used in continuous forms? If so, how?

Yes, modal verbs can be used in continuous forms. The structure is 'may be + -ing', 'might be + -ing', or 'could be + -ing'. For example, 'I might be watching TV' means 'It's possible I'll be watching TV.'