Dear teachers,
I'd like to know the difference between possibility and probability in modal verbs.
Possibility
He can win the race. (90% certain)
They could still be at school. (50% certain; it’s possible they are still at school.)
Tom may be studying in his room. (perhaps; 50% certain; it’s possible that he’s studying.)
He might want some more food. (40% certain; perhaps he wants some more food.)
It is likely that he will arrive tonight.
He is likely to arrive tonight.
She could have been killed in the car crash. (Luckily, she wasn’t killed.)
He may have spoken to Jenny yesterday. (Perhaps he spoke to Jenny.)
He might have forgotten. (Perhaps he has forgotten.)
It was likely that he had arrived the day before.
He was likely to have arrived the day before.
Probability
They will be home soon. (100% certain; prediction)
Greg should win easily. (90% certain; future only; he’ll win easily.)
They ought to be home by now. (90% certain; they will probably be home.)
He should have received his prize by now. (He has probably received it by now.)
They ought to have arrived an hour ago. (They have probably arrived)
I understand the above table, but I really don't understand the difference.
Thank you!
I'd like to know the difference between possibility and probability in modal verbs.
Possibility
He can win the race. (90% certain)
They could still be at school. (50% certain; it’s possible they are still at school.)
Tom may be studying in his room. (perhaps; 50% certain; it’s possible that he’s studying.)
He might want some more food. (40% certain; perhaps he wants some more food.)
It is likely that he will arrive tonight.
He is likely to arrive tonight.
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He may have spoken to Jenny yesterday. (Perhaps he spoke to Jenny.)
He might have forgotten. (Perhaps he has forgotten.)
It was likely that he had arrived the day before.
He was likely to have arrived the day before.
Probability
They will be home soon. (100% certain; prediction)
Greg should win easily. (90% certain; future only; he’ll win easily.)
They ought to be home by now. (90% certain; they will probably be home.)
____
He should have received his prize by now. (He has probably received it by now.)
They ought to have arrived an hour ago. (They have probably arrived)
I understand the above table, but I really don't understand the difference.
Thank you!