FUTURE POSSIBILITY

IT’S POSSIBLE
75% May
50% Might
25% Could
 It is possible. We will become an overweight
country
Possible
May
might
Could

• We may become an overweight country. (75%)

• We might become an overweight country. (50%)
• We could become an overweight country. (25%)
 Examples Usage
The speaker knows. Paul usually arrives home at about 7. The MAY is used when the speaker thinks that what he is saying is
speaker says: Phone him. He may be home (Perhaps he is home, perhaps true
perhaps not)

Paul wants to know Jenny's phone number.) The speaker says: MIGHT is used when the speaker thinks the chances of the
Ask Sally, she is not one of her close friends but she might have it proposition being true are less possible than “may”

Katty didn’t have enough time to complete her examination but COULD is used to express a possibilty which is one of many.
She could approve it. This form is not as strong as 'might' or 'may'. It is just one of a
number of possibilities.
 DEDUCTION
Imagine that we have four keys on a ring and
we know that one of these keys opens the
trunk.
We pick up one of the keys and say:

But after trying three keys unsuccesfully, we

This may/might be the key
will pick up the fourth key and say:

This must be the key!( no other

Choice remains)
DEDUCTION
DEDUCTION
 I’m sure. Heart attacks will increase in the next
generation

Certain
Will definitely

• Hearts attacks will definitely increase on the next

generation
It’s improbable that companies will reduce salt and
fat content in food in the near future.

Improbable
Probably won’t

• Companies probably won’t reduce salt and fat

content in food in the near future.
It is impossible for some people to control
their diet.

Impossible
Definitely won’t
Can’t

• Some people definitely won’t control their diet.

• Some people can’t control their diet.