modals of possibility

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MODALS OF
POSSIBILITY



We just might learn something!

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. 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.

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.
* I may go traveling next year. (future possibility)

ฉนั อาจจะไปเท่ียวปหนา (ความเปนไปไดในอนาคต)
* My keys might be in the car. (present possibility)

กุญแจของฉันอาจอยใู นรถ (ความเปนไปไดใ นปจจุบนั )

May, Might & Could
In English, there are three main modals

of possibility: may, might, and could.

We use MAY, MIGHT and COULD to talk about present or future
possibility. We

can substitute may, might and could for maybe, perharbs or probably
(which

aren't modal verbs)
I might study math.
(ฉันอาจจะเรียนคณติ ศาสตร)
I might join you if I finish my work early.
(ฉันอาจจะไปรวมงานกบั คณุ ถา ฉนั ทาํ งานใหเสรจ็ กอนเวลา)
I may pass chemistry's exam.
(ฉนั อาจสอบวชิ าเคมีผาน)
I may eat dinner at 8:00 pm.
(ฉนั อาจจะกินขาวเยน็ เวลา 20.00 น.)
They could be there by now.
(ตอนนพ้ี วกเขาสามารถอยทู ี่น่นั ได)
He could be lost.
(เขาอาจจะหลงทาง)

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