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← Grammar reference

MODALITY

Maybe, probably, definitely and 'it's possible to'

Adverbs like maybe, probably and definitely say how sure you are. Their place in the sentence matters, and it's possible / necessary to + verb gives an opinion about an action.

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possible (maybe)sure (definitely)
+Maybe she is at home.She definitely knows him.
−Perhaps she isn't at home.She definitely doesn't know him.
?Maybe you could call her?Is she definitely at home?

Position: after be, after the first auxiliary, before the main verb · Before a negative: probably won't, not won't probably · Maybe / perhaps usually start the sentence

A2

Maybe and perhaps at the start

New

Maybe and perhaps usually come at the start of the sentence. Written as two words, may be is a verb: it may be.

Maybe+ subject+ verb

  • Maybe we could visit the park.
  • Perhaps it's in the kitchen.
  • She maybe at home now.
  • She may be at home now.

Quick Check

1/4

Type the answer

I think I left my phone there, in your kitchen.

A2

Probably, definitely, certainly

New

Put probably, definitely and certainly after be, or before the main verb. After a modal they go between the modal and the verb.

subject+ be / will / should+ probably+ verb

  • It is probably in the sitting room.
  • You should definitely try the soup.
  • He comes probably late.
  • He probably comes late.

Quick Check

1/4

Put in order

Tap the words in the order of the sentence.

 

B1

Probably won't, definitely didn't

New

With a negative, put the adverb before the negative auxiliary: probably won't, definitely didn't.

subject+ probably+ won't+ verb

  • She probably won't come to the party.
  • I definitely don't want to go.
  • She won't probably come.
  • She probably won't come.

Quick Check

1/4

Choose the form

She   come.

B1

Could you possibly…? If possible

New

Add possibly to Could I / Could you for a more polite request. If possible makes a request softer too.

Could+ I / you+ possibly+ verb

  • Could I possibly see you at three?
  • If possible, please send the cards today.
  • Could you possible help me?
  • Could you possibly help me?

Quick Check

1/4

Type the answer

I'd like a table by the window, if .

B1

It's possible / necessary (for you) to…

New

To give an opinion about an action, use It's + adjective + to + verb. Add for + person before to to say who it concerns.

It+ is+ possible / necessary+ (for me)+ to + verb

  • It's necessary to improve your English.
  • It's impossible for me to meet you at six.
  • It's impossible for me meet you at six.
  • It's impossible for me to meet you at six.

Quick Check

1/4

Type the answer

One word is in the wrong form. Type the correct form.

Is necessary to improve your English.