MODAL VERBS OF POSSIBILITY and PASSIVE VOICE
MODAL VERBS OF POSSIBILITY and PASSIVE VOICE
MODAL VERBS OF POSSIBILITY and PASSIVE VOICE
There are many modals in English modals of ability, possibility, necessity/obligation, and advice, to name
the most common—and students can get confused by all the different functions and meanings. Modal
verbs include must, shall, will, should, would, can, could, may and might. Some modals can be used for
more than one purpose (such as could for past ability or present/future possibility), so it’s no wonder
they sometimes struggle! Presenting modals by function can help English language learners keep them
all straight. Today, let’s focus on modals of possibility.
MODAL VERBS OF POSSIBILITY
1. Pattern
Remind lower-level students that a base verb is one with no endings (no -ing, -ed, -s, etc.). The modal
always comes before the base verb.
Ex :
2. Function
We use these modals to describe a possible action. Because of the uncertainty, these modals are often
used to talk about the future, though sometimes we want to express possibility in the present.
Ex :
3. Examples
4. Differences in Meaning
When it comes to the meaning of may, might, and could for possibility, I would argue that, at least in
North American English, there is no difference in meaning except formality. Textbooks always present the
three modals together, and students might use may in everyday speech unless we point out that it’s not
common to do so. Emphasize that they might see and use may in formal writing, but in speaking and
informal writing, they should stick to might and could. (Note that this is the preference in North America,
but I believe that may is quite common in speaking and writing in British English.)
Some people have argued for slight differences in meaning, and this might be an interesting discussion
for higher‑level students. But for most students, the difference is irrelevant and these words are
interchangeable.
So guys, could is also used for past ability. There is usually a reference to the past in the sentence or
context, which helps learners recognize when could is referring to ability. Note the differences:
He could finish his project tonight. (possibility) → kemungkinan yang masih akan terjadi
He could swim when he was a child. (past ability) → kemampuan yang sudah terjadi
PASSIVE VOICE
Formula :
Examples :