Modal verbs show degrees of possibility. Will and must are strong; should is likely; might, may and could show weaker possibility.
Adverbs can do the same job: perhaps, possibly, probably, definitely, surely. Compare “We might go camping” with “We will definitely go camping.”
Writers choose these words carefully. A scientist might write “This may show a link” to avoid claiming too much. A persuasive speaker might say “We must act now” to sound urgent.
Worked example
Which sentence is the least certain? A: “It will snow.” B: “It might snow.” C: “It must snow.”
- Will and must sound sure.
- Might only suggests it is possible.
Answer:B: “It might snow.”
Key words
- possibility
- how likely something is
- adverb of possibility
- a word like perhaps or probably
- certainty
- being completely sure
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