What is Modal Could/Might for Possibility?
Modals could and might express possibility or chance — something that may or may not happen, but is uncertain.
Could and might show possibility: It might rain tomorrow. Could expresses ability in the past, but both express present/future possibility with similar strength.
Step-by-step worked examples
It might rain this afternoon.
Modal: might Form: might + base verb (rain) Meaning: Possibility or chance, no certainty
She could be at the office or at home.
Modal: could Form: could + base verb (be) Meaning: There are multiple possibilities
The meeting might get cancelled if the manager is ill.
Modal: might Form: might + base verb (get cancelled) Meaning: One possible outcome among others
Flashcards
Quick quiz
Q1.Which sentence correctly uses might/could?
Q2.What does 'You could win the lottery' express?
Q3.Which sentence shows highest certainty?
Q4.How do you express past possibility?
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Common mistakes
It might to rain today. — Correct: It might rain today. (No 'to' after might/could)
He mights be late. — Correct: He might be late. (Might/could never take 's')
I could went to the concert. — Correct: I could have gone to the concert. (For past, use 'could have + past participle')
It might or it must rain. — Correct: Inconsistent logic. Use: It might rain / It must rain (pick one certainty level)
FAQ
What is modal could/might for possibility?
Could and might express chance or uncertain possibility — something that may or may not happen.
What's the difference between could and might?
Very similar. Could also refers to past ability (I could swim). Might is purely about possibility. In most contexts, they're interchangeable.
How certain is something with could/might?
Much less certain than should or must. Could/might means 'maybe' or 'possibly' — roughly 30–50% certainty.
How do you express past possibility?
Use 'could have' or 'might have' + past participle: I could have won. (I had the possibility but didn't win)