Scribble: Modal Verbs - Certain

A. MODAL VERBS

Will & won’t	Might, could, & may
Use to show the speaker feels certain about this:	Use to show the speaker thinks this is possible:
I will cheer the patients up. He won’t like it.	I might go for something boring like yours. You could go back to blonde. He may like it.

B. LEVELS OF CERTAINTY ABOUT THE FUTURE

PHRASES	EXAMPLES
Something will definitely happen: Be bound to do sth Be sure to do sth	- I am bound to be a bit nervous when I get there. - You are sure to make a memorable impression on them
Something will probably happen: Be likely to do sth May well do sth I daresay	- He is likely to have something to say about my hair. - He may well have to let her. - I dare say I will go for something less bright.
Something probably will not happen: Be unlikely to do sth I don’t suppose I doubt if I shouldn’t think	- He is unlikely to find someone to replace her. - I don’t suppose she will care what Rina thinks. - I doubt if he will let her work in reception looking like that. - I shouldn’t think he will care
Something definitely will not happen: I cannot imagine	I cannot imagine she will approve.

+ infinitive	+ subject + will + infinitive
Be bound to Be sure to May well Be unlikely to	I dare say I don’t suppose I doubt if I shouldn’t think I cannot imagine

To talk about present situations or states

He is bound to be home by now.

She is unlikely to be available at this time.

I don’t suppose you know where my wallet is

Also say I am sure (that) + clause

I am sure (that) he will be here on time.

Example :

He may well do a course in Arabic next year.

He went to the football match despite feeling very ill.

You are bound to pass the exam – you have studied so hard for it.

He tries to avoid talking to people about his job..

Apart from cleaning the kitchen, I have got nothing to do this weekend.

He is unlikely to change his job this year. He is really enjoying it.

People traveling by train in England don’t often talk to each other.

He couldn’t make out what was written on the envelope.

I dare say she will win the competition – she is very lucky.

Finding information on the internet is very easy.

I doubt if the managers will promote Brian. He is not very good at his job.

Maybe I will do well in my next English test. – might

I might do well in my next English test.

I probably will not need English for my next job. – unlikely

I am unlikely to need English for my next job. –

I am fairly sure I will do an advance English course at some point.

I dare say I will do an advance English course at some point. –

I will not be able to visit England next year. – cannot imagine

I cannot imagine I will be able to visit England next year. –

I will probably send some time working on the book this weekend. – may well

I may well send some time working on the book this weekend.

I don’t think I will take anymore English exams. – doubt

I doubt if I will take anymore English exams. –

I probably will not be able to watch an English DVD this weekend. – don’t suppose

I don’t suppose I will be able to watch an English DVD this weekend. –

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