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What are the substitute verbs for the modal auxiliary verb 'may/might' when talking about possibility?

English Language & Usage Asked on January 5, 2021

He can play. = He is able to play.

He cannot play. = He is unable to play.

He must not play. = He is forbidden to play. He is prohibited from playing.

He must play. = He is compelled/forced/obliged to play. He has to play.

He should play. = He is advised to play. or He is likely/expected/supposed to play. It is probable that he will.

He may play. = He is allowed to play. or He is ??? to play. It is possible that he will.

Is there an ordinary verb, an adjective, or a past participle, which can replace ‘may/might’ in a sentence that has a personal noun or pronoun, and not the preparatory ‘it’ as subject?

One Answer

  • He is liable to play.

(OALD) liable to do something — likely to do something

This dictionary adds the word "probable" to the definition of "liable" (which is not yet "possible" but is nevertheless close in meaning).

probable, likely, or capable
It's liable to happen soon

Answered by LPH on January 5, 2021

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