Modal Verbs for Possibility

Welcome to lesson 10 of B1. Today we're going to work on modal verbs for possibility.

By the end of this lesson, you'll be able to express different degrees of certainty with more confidence.

Let's start with the main idea. English becomes much easier when you learn complete patterns instead of translating one word at a time. Listen to these examples and notice how the structure works in context.

It might rain later. She may be at home. They could arrive early. He must be tired.

Now say the examples again slowly. Focus on the part of the sentence that changes. Then try to create one new example about your own life.

Here's an important point to remember. Might, may, and could express possibility; must can express a strong logical conclusion.

Let's do a quick practice. Pause for a moment after each prompt and answer out loud.

First: make one sentence about yourself using today's language.
Second: make the same idea negative, if that is possible.
Third: turn one example into a question or a different situation.
Fourth: create one sentence about another person.

Don't worry if your answer is not perfect. The goal is to produce English actively, not only recognize it.

Now listen once more to the model language: It might rain later. She may be at home. They could arrive early. He must be tired.

Before we finish, say one original sentence without looking at the examples. If you can do that, you're already turning the lesson into active English.

Great work. Review today's examples, practice them aloud, and continue to the next lesson when you're ready.