4.137 possibility: 'could', 'might', and 'may'

You use 'could', 'might', or 'may' to say that it is possible that a particular thing will happen.

• England's next fixture in Salzburg could be the decisive match.
• The river could easily overflow.
• They might be able to remember what he said.
• Clerical work may be available for two students who want to learn about publishing.

4.138

If you put 'well' after 'could', 'might', or 'may', you are indicating that it is fairly likely that something will happen or be the case.

• When it is finished it may well be the largest cathedral in the world.
• We might well get injured.

If you put 'possibly' or 'conceivably' after 'could', 'might', or 'may', you are indicating that it is possible, but fairly unlikely, that something will happen or be the case.

• These conditions could possibly be accepted.
• Rates could conceivably rise by as much as a whole percentage point.