We use expressions of possibility when we are not certain that something will happen or is true.
A. Common Expressions of Possibility
| Expression | Example |
|---|---|
| may + verb | It may rain tomorrow. |
| might + verb | She might come later. |
| could + verb | We could have a test tomorrow. |
| perhaps | Perhaps he is busy. |
| maybe | Maybe they will join us. |
| possibly | He will possibly arrive late. |
| It’s possible that… | It’s possible that she is at home. |
| There is a possibility that… | There is a possibility that prices will increase. |
| I think… | I think it might rain. |
2. Important Structures
A. May + infinitive
We use may to say that something is possible.
Subject + may + base verb
- I may go to Casablanca tomorrow.
- She may be late.
- They may win the competition.
B. Might + infinitive
Might also expresses possibility.
- He might come to the party.
- We might visit Rabat next weekend.
- It might rain tonight.
May and might are often interchangeable when expressing possibility.
C. Could + infinitive
Could can express a possible situation or event.
- We could have an exam next week.
- He could be at the library.
- This could be a good solution.
Could has several meanings. In this lesson, we use it specifically for possibility.
D. Maybe / Perhaps
These usually come at the beginning of a sentence.
- Maybe she is tired.
- Perhaps they will arrive later.
- Maybe we can meet tomorrow.
E. It’s possible that…
It’s possible that + subject + verb
- It’s possible that he will come.
- It’s possible that we will have an exam tomorrow.
- It’s possible that she is at home.
3. Degrees of Possibility
We can use different expressions to show how possible something seems.
Certain → Possible → Unlikely
- It will happen. → very certain
- It may happen. → possible
- It might happen. → possible
- It could happen. → possible
- It probably won’t happen. → unlikely
Example
The weather forecast says there is a 50% chance of rain.
It might rain tomorrow.
