4.118 Indicating possibility

The following four sections explain the different ways in which modals are used to talk about the possibility of something happening or being done.

Paragraphs 4.119 to 4.122 explain how 'can' and 'could' are used to talk about the ability of a person or thing to do something.

Paragraphs 4.123 to 4.145 explain how modals are used to express degrees of certainty about past, present, and future situations and events.

Paragraphs 4.146 to 4.149 explain how modals are used to say that something is permissible.

Paragraphs 4.150 to 4.157 explain how modals are used to say that something is forbidden or unacceptable.