lesson
Show how certain a claim is
1 · Learn
Modal verbs such as might, could and must can express possibility, ability, permission or obligation depending on context. Adverbs such as perhaps and certainly can also affect certainty.
In 'The parcel might arrive today', arrival is possible, not promised. 'The parcel will arrive today' makes a stronger claim. Choose words that match your evidence rather than overstating it.
2 · Worked example
If I have only an estimated delivery date, might is more cautious than certainly. I do not pretend a guess is confirmed.
3 · Your turn
Does 'The team could win' guarantee a win? Rewrite it to make the uncertainty even more explicit.
Check your answer
No. For example: 'The team might win, but the result is uncertain.' Other wording can work if it retains possibility rather than certainty.
4 · Apply your learning
Compare three versions of one claim using different modal verbs or adverbs. Explain how the certainty changes.
Adult guidance and safety
Use these original short models alongside sustained reading of whole books, poetry and plays from varied periods and cultures. Discuss alternative interpretations using evidence. Plan, draft and revise longer work; individual spelling, handwriting and decoding support remain important.
Open your writing and drawing pad
Write, draw or show your working. Use a mouse, pen or finger. This pad is not a submitted answer.
Not saved to your account. Download your drawing as PNG and your typed notes as TXT before leaving or refreshing. They are separate files. Do not enter private information.
Open a picture saved on this device to draw on it again. Opening replaces the drawing, but Undo can restore it. PNG only, up to 4 MB and 4096 × 4096 pixels. The picture stays in this browser; it is not uploaded. Paper lines in a saved picture become part of that picture.
Clear the drawing? Your typed notes will stay. You can undo this action.
Your pad is empty.
Open a UTF-8 TXT file from this device, up to 40 KB and 10,000 characters. It stays in this browser. Opening can be undone until you type again. Downloads keep a new copy; they do not change the file you opened.
Replace the notes on this page with the opened file? Download the current notes first if you want to keep them.
Typed notes are not submitted answers.
Practice this lesson
Lesson resources
Browse the available practice activities and worksheets for this lesson.
Your progress