Expressing Ability and Possibility- Grammar Models

Modals constitute an important grammar concept in English. These special verbs precede other verbs to express shades of possibility, permission, requests, offers, ability, necessity and advice. Understanding modals helps communicate accurately and politely. This guide covers definition, usage, and examples specifically applying modals to express ability and possibility.

Defining Modal Verbs
Unlike normal verbs, modal verbs don’t change form. They have no infinitive, past participle, or present participle “-ing” versions. Common ones include:
Can – Could
Will – Would
May – Might
Shall
Should – Ought
Must

We use modals followed directly by the simple form of a verb, like “can go”, “should drive”, “must go” instead of “can going”, “should drove” etc. Their interpretation changes meaning dramatically based on context.

Communicating Possibility with “Can”, “Could” and “May”
We often use “can”, “could” and “may” to discuss possibility or ask permission.

Can/Could
“Can” describes current general ability in the present tense:
“I can lift 50 pounds with this forklift.”

Meanwhile, “could” suggests possibility in the past tense:
“I could have chosen better words in our argument yesterday.”

May
“May” seeks polite permission or indicates a higher degree of uncertainty:
“May I use the restroom?”
“That medication may cause dizziness.”

Conveying Ability With “Can” and “Could”
Both “can” and “could” apply regarding ability. “Can” discusses current capability:

“I can speak and understand English fluently.”

“Could” references either past or hypothetical ability:

“As a child, I could recite 50 digits of Pi from memory.”
“Under the right conditions, this polymer could withstand 500 pounds of pressure.”

Hedging With “Would”, “Might” and “May”
To soften statements or suggest uncertainty, we can use:

Would – past tense of will
Might – possibility
May – slight probability

For example:
“She would make an excellent mentor based on her experience.”
“This home remedy might soothe a sore throat.”
“Investing in that stock may prove risky.”

In summary, modals allow concise, precise ways to express permission, possibility, and ability. They have special rules but consistent patterns across tense usage. With practice, modal mastery helps English speakers appropriately discuss likelihood and skill with grace.

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