Modals - Possibility
From TEFL World Wiki
To show degrees of possibility, we can use various modal verbs.
1. Far Removed Possibility (imagining things)
That would be nice.
I wouldn't dream of it!
2. Real Possibility
It can get very tense in some of these meetings.
It may get very tense in some of these meetings.
(may shows a lesser degree of possibility compared to can)
3. Certainty (based on logical assumptions)
He will be in Rome by now.
He must be in Rome by now.
4. Degrees of Possibility (in the present and future)
He may be upstairs.
(likely)
He might be upstairs.
(less likely)
He could be upstairs.
(least likely)
5. Unlikely, Impossible or Illogical
He couldn't have got lost.
He can't have got lost.
It can't be raining!
He wouldn't still be at work, would he?
6. Prediction
She will win.
(certainty)
She may win.
She might win.
She could win.
7. Suggestions in the future
We could go to the cinema.
