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Lesson Plan July 10, 2026

Topic: Modal Verbs (2)

In this lesson we will learn about using modal verbs to talk about possibility and probability using could, might, may and willprobably.

Section A: May and Might

You use may and might to talk about something which is possible, but we are not sure about.

In the present

A: Have you seen David?
B: He might be in his room.
A: No, he isn’t. I’ve looked.
B: Well, he may be at the shopping mall then.

In the future

A: Have you got any plans for this evening?
B: I might go to the movies. Do you want to come?
A: No thanks. I may just stay home and have dinner.

The meaning of may and might in these sentences is the same.

Remember!

• For negatives, you add not or n’t to might (might not or mightn’t)

• For may, you only add not (may not)

Section B: Could and Will Probably

You can use could to talk about something you are not sure about in the present or future.

• Be quiet, please. The baby could be asleep.

• It could be too hot to go to the beach tomorrow.

• Could we save enough money to got on holiday next spring?

You use will probably when you are more sure about something.

• I’ve missed the last bus. I could get a taxi but I’ll probably just walk home instead.

Lesson Notes

Words & Phrases

• Today the temperature is around 32 degrees Celsius. (Remember to use the plural “degrees”; see below)

  • The sun outside is unbearable today! (Synonyms: “scorching”, “like an oven”, “brutal”)

Grammar

In English, only the exact positive number 1 takes a singular noun (1 degree).

• Any other number—including zero, fractions, decimals, and negative numbers—takes a plural noun.

  • 2 degrees Celsius

  • 1.5 degrees Celsius

  • 0 degrees Celsius

  • -1 degrees Celsius

Modal Verbs (2)

• This weather could last all week. (= continue all week)

  • "I bought enough groceries to last all week." (= I have enough food to continue eating until next week).

  • Will your Apple Watch’s battery last all week on a single charge?”

• Speaker A: "What are your plans for the summer vacation?"
  Speaker B: "We haven't booked anything, but we MIGHT travel to Greece."

  • a. might (correct: used for lower to medium chances)

  • b. will probably (incorrect: used for high chances)

• "It ain't gonna rain this afternoon” is grammatically incorrect in standard, formal English. However, you will hear it constantly in movies, casual conversations, and pop music.

  • "Ain't" is slang for is not / am not / are not / have not / has not

  • "Gonna" is a casual contraction of going to.

  • If a native speaker says, "It ain't gonna rain this afternoon," they are being highly informal and usually mean they are 100% sure it won't rain. ("Ain't" can replace FIVE different verbs, and works even if the subject is singular or plural!)

    • "Don't look at me, it ain't my fault.” (is not)

    • I ain't going out in this heat—it's like an oven out there! (am not)

    • "We ain't ready to leave yet, give us five more minutes.” (are not)

    • "They ain't got any cash on them right now, sorry.” (don’t have)

    • “My air conditioner ain’t been working right.” (has not)