Modal Verbs and Phrases
Expressing Probability, Necessity, and Ability with Precision
β° When do we use these structures?
We use these advanced structures when we need to be precise about how likely something is to happen, or how necessary a specific action is. While basic modal verbs (like must or can) work, advanced phrases allow you to:
- Express varying degrees of certainty (from “guaranteed” to “highly unlikely”).
- Formalize necessity and obligation in professional or academic contexts.
- Describe natural talent or ability using specific collocations.
π Structure
We can categorize these expressions by their function. Note the specific prepositions and verb patterns for each.
1. Certainty & Probability
- High Certainty: bound to + infinitive; guaranteed to + infinitive; it’s a given that + clause.
- Probability: may well + infinitive; in all probability + clause; the odds are that + clause.
- Improbability: highly unlikely that + clause; totally unimaginable that + clause.
2. Necessity & Obligation
- Strong Necessity: It is crucial/vital/imperative that + clause.
- Expectation: be expected to + infinitive; be supposed to + infinitive.
- Responsibility: It is my responsibility to + infinitive.
3. Ability
- Capability: be capable of + gerund (-ing).
- Talent: have an aptitude for + noun/gerund.
π Notes
- Preposition Traps: This is the most common error.
- It is capable of (not to).
- It is an aptitude for (not of).
- It is bound to (not of).
- “May well”: This suggests a much stronger probability than just “may.” “He may well win” means he is likely to win, whereas “He may win” just means it is possible.
- Adverbs: Use adverbs like undoubtedly or inevitably to strengthen standard sentences (e.g., “The economy is undoubtedly in trouble”).
Comparison Table: Expressions of Likelihood
| Expression | Meaning | Grammar Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bound to | Almost certain | be + bound to + verb | She’s bound to pass. |
| The odds are | Very likely | The odds are that + clause | The odds are that we’ll miss it. |
| Imperative | Absolutely necessary | It is imperative that + clause | It’s imperative that no one speaks. |
| Aptitude for | Natural skill | have an aptitude for + noun/-ing | He has an aptitude for painting. |
π¬ Examples
- Probability: “Thereβs a strong likelihood that it will rain before the weekend.”
- Necessity: “It is essential that no one speaks to the media.”
- Ability: “Do you think he is capable of managing a team?”
- Certainty: “The decision will inevitably lead to tensions.”
Exercise 1
β¬οΈ Interactive exercise will appear here soon.