Possibility

might / could / can

Can

Can is also used to talk about possibility. Compare these two sentences:
  • Using the mouse on your computer causes problems.
  • Using the mouse on your computer can cause problems.

In the first sentence, the present simple (causes) tells us that the sentence is always true.

In the second sentence, we use the modal verb (can) with the infinitive cause to explain that the action is sometimes true.

  • Using the mouse on your computer can cause problems.
    (= Using the mouse sometimes causes problems.)

1. Talking about possibility.

Choose the correct option to complete the sentences. The first one has been done for you.

 

For more information about possibility see the Grammar Reference.

2. Talking about possibility.

Rewrite the sentences using might, could, can and the present simple so that the second sentence has the same meaning as the first. The first one has been done for you as an example.

0. It's possible that she isn't there.
  She