III. DESCRIPTIVE/INTERPRETIVE FUNCTION OF MODALS: DESCRIPTIONS FROM THE SPEAKER'S POINT OF VIEW (OPINION)
3. Introduction to Modals of Probability (Predictions or Certainty)
3.4 Using Modals of Probability in the Present, Past and Future
3.4.3 Probability in the Future: BE Going To
To make a prediction about the future, we use 'will' + base form of the verb OR 'BE going to' + base form of the verb.
The modal 'will' is used to make predictions for future actions while 'going to' is used to talk about plans that we have made for the future. In other words, there is a plan in place now for future action.
Although many grammar textbooks cover the difference between 'will' and 'going to' under verb tenses, we acknowledge that some language experts believe that there is actually no future tense for English verbs; rather, there are future modals. They are not verbs in the future tense but rather strictly modals.
We do not change the verb form into a future verb; rather, we use a future modal followed by the base form of the verb. Note that the future verb 'will' is followed by the base form of the verb—we do not say 'he will goes'; instead, it is 'he will go'.
3.4.3.1 Simple Modal Forms
The simple modal forms for probability in the future both have strong probability.
- Will: will + base form of the verb
- BE going to: BE going to + base form of the verb
Examples
He is going to work on fixing his bicycle this afternoon.
We are going to celebrate my parents' 30th wedding anniversary next month. ('going to' is expressed as something that is planned ahead of time rather than a prediction or something that is not deliberate)
• Here, 'BE going to' expresses certainty because this form is used to express something that is planned. It is certain to happen because it is planned ahead of time. So, it is expected to happen.
For expressing a description of something in a Subject + Linking Verb + Modifier Sentence:
- Use 'will be' or 'is/are going to be'
3.4.3.2 Phrasal Modal Forms
The phrasal modal forms for probability in the future both have either high (strong), medium, or low (weak) probability.
High probability:
- 'will be able to' + base form verb
- 'will not be able to' + base form verb
Medium probability: (no negative form because if the probability is unknown, no negative is possible)
- 'should be able to' + base form verb
Low probability:
- 'may/might be able to' + base form verb
Again, note that the word 'to' is part of the modal and not part of an infinitive form of the verb that follows. This form is used to talk about plans for the future that are not certain to happen.
Examples
Carlos might be able to see his parents in the summer, but he doesn't know if he can get time off of work.
I may be able to buy a car if I can save several thousand dollars this summer.
I will be able to help you if I am free on Saturday.
Andres will not be able to work for two weeks after his surgery.
3.4.3.3 Questions: Probability in the Future: Will, BE Going To, Be Able To
For yes/no questions using simple modals (will/will not) of probability for the future:
- Use the regular form for questions with simple modals (aux verb 'will' + subject + base form of the verb)
Example
Will he come to class today?
For information questions using simple modals (will/will not) of probability for the future:
- Question word + aux verb 'will' + subject + base form of the verb
Example
When will he come to class today?
For questions using phrasal modal forms:
- For yes/no questions with phrasal verbs: Verb BE + subject + able to + base form of verb
Example
Are you able to make Thai food?
- For information questions with phrasal verbs: question word + verb BE (will) + subject of sentence + be able to + base form of the verb
Examples
When will you be able to fix my car?
What time might you be able to meet us for coffee?
- OR question word + aux verb + subject of sentence + going to be able to + base form verb
Example
When are you going to be able to fix my car?
Exercise 1: The following paragraph uses modals of probability in the future.
Which paragraph has more modals of strong probability, Paragraph #1 or Paragraph #2? Put a check mark in the blank beside the correct answer. (Bài tập đọc hiểu - không có ô điền)
Paragraph #1
The world of our children will definitely be different than our world today. There will certainly be challenges ahead, but many people are already working on those challenges today. These people, including scientists, engineers and sociologists, have already been working on these problems, and they are going to continue working on solutions for cutting back on carbon emissions. The technology that is available now has already changed the way the future will look, and there is hope that we will be able to solve at least some of the major challenges ahead.
Paragraph #2
We may be able to fix all of the problems ahead, but if we are going to solve these challenges, we should not let fear or negativity stop us from trying. If there is any possibility that we may be able to solve them, we should try. There is too much at risk to just give up. We must take the attitude of, "If we can do it, we will do it."
1.
Exercise 2: In the following sentences, first decide if the sentence requires a modal of strong probability or weak probability.
Then, write either a positive or negative modal of strong, medium or weak probability and add the base form of the verb that is given. It is possible to use either simple or phrasal modals. More than one answer might be possible. Nhập câu trả lời vào ô trống.
2. I'm not sure what the problem with your phone is. Your phone is quite old. We (get) parts for it. We will try, but . . .
3. Your phone is quite old, but we can probably get parts for it. We (fix it).
4. I'm doubtful. Our new employee keeps coming in late for work. We (keep) him as an employee.
5. Our customers really like this coffee. So, I (order) several boxes of it.
6. If Martina keeps avoiding studying, she (fail) the test.
7. When are you (buy) your train ticket?
8. I (visit) my friend in Vietnam on New Years.
Exercise 3: Write questions about your sentences above.
Question #6 is already a question. Instead, change it to a regular sentence. When writing a question using 'should be able to' as the phrasal modal, use 'would' instead of 'should'. Nhập câu trả lời vào ô trống.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Exercise 4: Finish the sentence or write another sentence to make predictions about the following using the different probabilities that are indicated.
Nhập câu trả lời vào ô trống.
1. Mike has saved up enough money for a new phone. (going to)
Trả lời:
2. I have some free time in the summer. (might be able to)
Trả lời:
3. John has the day off on Saturday. (should be able to)
Trả lời:
4. I am excited about graduating in the spring. When I graduate . . . (will)
Trả lời:
5. When I go home on New Year's Day. (going to be able to)
Trả lời:
6. I am super busy this week. (may not be able to)
Trả lời:
Exercise 5: Write sentences to make predictions about the future using the different indicated modals of probability for the future.
Nhập câu trả lời vào ô trống.
1. (going to)
2. (might be able to)
3. (should be able to)
4. (will be)
5. (must not be)
6. (may be able to)
7. (will)
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