Understanding Modal Verbs: May, Might, Can, and Could

This video tutorial by Oxford Online English teaches how to use English modal verbs like may, might, can, and could to express possibilities in the present, future, and past. It explains the differences between specific and general possibilities, and how to form negative possibilities. The tutorial also covers the use of modal verbs in past scenarios, distinguishing between known and unknown outcomes. The lesson concludes with a summary and practice suggestions.

Which modal verbs can be used to express a possibility in the present or future?

• Can

• Should

• Might

• Will

What is the difference between 'may be' and 'maybe'?

• 'May be' is an adjective; 'maybe' is a noun.

• 'May be' is a noun; 'maybe' is a verb.

• 'May be' is a verb phrase; 'maybe' is an adverb.

• 'May be' is an adverb; 'maybe' is a verb.

Which modal verbs can be used to express negative possibilities?

• Will

• May

• Could

• Can

When expressing general possibilities, which modal verb should be used?

• Might

• Could

• May

• Can

What is a general possibility?

• A possibility that is always false.

• A possibility that is true for many people, places, and times.

• A possibility that applies to one person at one time.

• A possibility that is specific to a single event.

How do you express a possibility in the past?

• Use 'might' plus a past participle.

• Use 'can' plus a past participle.

• Use 'could', 'may', or 'might' plus 'have' and a past participle.

• Use 'will' plus a past participle.

Which modal verb cannot be used to express possibilities in the past?

• Can

• Might

• May

• Could

In which case can 'could' be used to talk about past possibilities?

• In both cases.

• When you don't know what happened.

• When you know what happened.

• In neither case.

Which modal verbs can be used to talk about specific possibilities in the present or future?

• Should

• Can

• Will

• Might

What is the correct way to express a negative possibility in the past?

• Use 'can' plus 'not' and a past participle.

• Use 'might' or 'may' plus 'not' and a past participle.

• Use 'could' plus 'not' and a past participle.

• Use 'will' plus 'not' and a past participle.