MODAL VERBS

There are many modals in English modals of ability, possibility, necessity/obligation, and advice, to name
the most common—and students can get confused by all the different functions and meanings. Modal
verbs include must, shall, will, should, would, can, could, may and might. Some modals can be used for
more than one purpose (such as could for past ability or present/future possibility), so it’s no wonder
they sometimes struggle! Presenting modals by function can help English language learners keep them
all straight. Today, let’s focus on modals of possibility.
 MODAL VERBS OF POSSIBILITY

May, Might, Could, Can

In English, there are three main modals of possibility: may, might, and could/ can.

1. Pattern

Modal + Base Verb

Remind lower-level students that a base verb is one with no endings (no -ing, -ed, -s, etc.). The modal
always comes before the base verb.

Ex :

We might go to the party tomorrow night.

She could decide to join us.

2. Function

We use these modals to describe a possible action. Because of the uncertainty, these modals are often
used to talk about the future, though sometimes we want to express possibility in the present.

Ex :

I may go traveling next year. (future possibility)

My keys might be in the car. (present possibility)

3. Examples

• They might attend the awards ceremony tomorrow night.

• He could call you back tonight.
• We could choose a new color of paint for the bedroom.
• I might join you if I finish early.
• The results of the study may shed some light on this condition.

4. Differences in Meaning

When it comes to the meaning of may, might, and could for possibility, I would argue that, at least in
North American English, there is no difference in meaning except formality. Textbooks always present the
three modals together, and students might use may in everyday speech unless we point out that it’s not
common to do so. Emphasize that they might see and use may in formal writing, but in speaking and
informal writing, they should stick to might and could. (Note that this is the preference in North America,
but I believe that may is quite common in speaking and writing in British English.)

Some people have argued for slight differences in meaning, and this might be an interesting discussion
for higher‑level students. But for most students, the difference is irrelevant and these words are
interchangeable.

So guys, could is also used for past ability. There is usually a reference to the past in the sentence or
context, which helps learners recognize when could is referring to ability. Note the differences:

He could finish his project tonight. (possibility) → kemungkinan yang masih akan terjadi

He could swim when he was a child. (past ability) → kemampuan yang sudah terjadi
 PASSIVE VOICE
Formula :

Affirmative Form Object + am / is / are + verb3 (past participle)

Question Form Am / Is / Are + Object + verb3 (past participle) ?

Something is done by someone regularly / everyday / as expected...

Examples :

Active : The gardener waters the flowers every evening.

Passive: The flowers are watered by the gardener every evening.

Active : Jumia doesn't drink anything in parties.

Passive: Nothing is drunk by Jumia in parties.

Active : Who sells bananas?

Passive: Who are bananas sold by?

Active : My sister doesn't paint the walls.

Passive: The walls aren't painted by my sister.