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Adverbs Of Possibility – Quiz 1
Adverbs Of Possibility Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates students' understanding and application of adverbs of possibility, including their usage in expressing certainty, uncertainty, and probability. It covers skills such as identifying modal verbs, placing adverbs correctly, and distinguishing between similar expressions like 'maybe' and 'perhaps'.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
Can adverbs of possibility be used in negative sentences?
A) No.
B) Rarely.
C) Sometimes.
D) Yes.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Adverbs of possibility, such as "possibly," "probably," and "likely," can indeed be used in negative sentences to express uncertainty about the likelihood of an event occurring. For example: "It is not impossible that it will rain tomorrow." This usage confirms that option D) Yes is correct.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect as adverbs of possibility can be used in negative sentences.
Option B:
Incorrect, they are not rarely used in this context.
Option C:
Incorrect, they are commonly used in such sentences.
Option D:
Correct as adverbs of possibility can be employed in negative sentences to convey uncertainty.
2.
Which adverb of possibility can be used to complete the sentence:The train should ..... arrive on time.
A) Maybe.
B) Probably.
C) Definitely.
D) Never.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Probably" is the correct adverb of possibility to complete the sentence "The train should probably arrive on time." This phrase indicates a high likelihood but not absolute certainty that the event will occur, which aligns with the meaning conveyed by "probably."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Maybe" suggests uncertainty and is less definitive than what the sentence implies.
Option B:
"Probably" indicates a high likelihood but not absolute certainty, fitting well with the context of the sentence.
Option C:
"Definitely" would imply absolute certainty, which does not match the conditional tone of the sentence.
Option D:
"Never" suggests impossibility, contradicting the conditional nature of the sentence.
3.
DURING MY TRIP TO LONDON, I WILL ..... MY UNCLE.
A) VISITED.
B) VISITING.
C) VISIT.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "DURING MY TRIP TO LONDON, I WILL ... MY UNCLE." requires a verb in the base form to complete it correctly. The correct answer is
C) VISIT.
This is because the future tense with 'will' does not require any change in the verb form.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Visited - Incorrect as it uses past tense, which doesn't fit the context of a future action.
Option B:
Visiting - Incorrect as it uses present participle, which is not appropriate for this sentence structure.
Option C:
Visit - Correct base form verb for future tense.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect as option C is correct.
4.
Fill in the blank with an adverb of possibility:He ..... forgot his keys at home.
A) Occasionally.
B) Rarely.
C) Probably.
D) Definitely.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Probably" is the correct adverb of possibility to fill in the blank because it indicates a high likelihood that he forgot his keys at home, but there's still some uncertainty. "Occasionally" suggests an infrequent action which doesn't fit the context well; "Rarely" implies very little chance which contradicts the probable scenario; and "Definitely" means with certainty, which is too strong for this sentence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Occasionally" suggests an infrequent action, not a high likelihood.
Option B:
"Rarely" implies very little chance of the event happening, which is incorrect here.
Option C:
"Probably" indicates a high likelihood with some uncertainty, fitting the context well.
Option D:
"Definitely" means with certainty, which is too strong for this sentence.
5.
If you stand on a piece of Lego, it will ..... hurt!
A) Undoubtedlee.
B) Undoubtidlie.
C) Undowtedly.
D) Undoubtedly.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) Undoubtedly.
This adverb is used to express certainty, indicating that it is highly certain the statement will happen. In the context of standing on a Lego, it is very likely and certain that it would hurt.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "Undoubtedlee" is not a valid English word.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Undoubtidlie" is not a valid English word.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Undowtedly" is not a valid English word.
Option D:
Correct. "Undoubtedly" is the correct adverb of possibility used here to express certainty.
6.
Complete the sentence with the correct adverb of possibility. Don't say anything is ..... until you've tried it.
A) Impossible.
B) Certainly.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Don't say anything is ..... until you've tried it" should be completed with an adverb of possibility that expresses uncertainty, indicating that one shouldn't make definitive statements about something before experiencing it firsthand. The correct choice here is
A) Impossible
, as it conveys the idea that one shouldn't declare something impossible without trying.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Impossible" fits well in the context of cautioning against making definitive statements about things before experiencing them.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Certainly" implies certainty, which contradicts the idea of being cautious and open to experience.
Option C:
Incorrect. "All the above" is not applicable as only one option fits correctly in this context.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
7.
Which adverb of possibility can be used to complete the sentence:The team may ..... win the game.
A) Possibly.
B) Impossibly.
C) Definitely.
D) Certainly.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"May" is an auxiliary verb used to express possibility, and it pairs well with "possibly" as an adverb of possibility. "Possibly" accurately conveys that the team has a chance but it's not certain.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Possibly - Correct choice. It matches the meaning of "may."
Option B:
Impossibly - This implies something is not possible, which contradicts the use of "may."
Option C:
Definitely - This suggests certainty, whereas "may" indicates uncertainty or possibility.
Option D:
Certainly - Similar to "definitely," it expresses certainty rather than possibility.
8.
Complete the sentence with the correct adverb of possibility ..... the food is good because peoople keep buying it.
A) Perhaps.
B) Clearly.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Clearly is the correct adverb of possibility to complete the sentence because it directly indicates that the reason for the food being good can be logically deduced from the fact that people keep buying it.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Perhaps does not convey as strong a sense of certainty as "clearly" and is less appropriate in this context.
Option B:
Clearly is correct for the reasons stated above.
Option C:
All the above is incorrect because perhaps is not the best choice here.
Option D:
None of the above is incorrect since clearly is the appropriate adverb in this context.
9.
Read the sentences and put the word in the correct order to make sentences:our / Robots / houses / certainly / will / clean
A) Robots will certainly clean our houses.
B) Robots certainly will clean our houses.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) Robots certainly will clean our houses.
This sentence places the adverb "certainly" after the verb "will," which follows the structure for adverbs of possibility in English. Adverbs like "certainly" are typically positioned between the auxiliary verb (in this case, "will") and the main verb ("clean").
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect placement of "certainly." It should come after "will."
Option B:
Correct sentence structure.
Option C:
Incorrect, as only Option B is correct.
Option D:
Not applicable since there is a correct option.
10.
What is the difference between 'maybe' and 'perhaps' as adverbs of possibility?
A) Maybe and perhaps are synonyms and can be used interchangeably.
B) Maybe indicates a higher likelihood than perhaps.
C) Perhaps implies more certainty than maybe.
D) Maybe and perhaps have no difference in meaning.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
C) Perhaps implies more certainty than maybe.
This statement accurately reflects the subtle difference in meaning between 'maybe' and 'perhaps'. Both words are used to express possibility, but 'perhaps' often carries a slightly higher degree of certainty or expectation compared to 'maybe', which can imply a lower likelihood or more doubt.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Maybe and perhaps are synonyms and can be used interchangeably. This is incorrect because while they are similar, their connotations differ slightly.
Option B:
Maybe indicates a higher likelihood than perhaps. This is false; in fact, 'perhaps' generally suggests a more certain possibility than 'maybe' does.
Option D:
Maybe and perhaps have no difference in meaning. This is also incorrect due to the subtle distinction between them as explained above.
11.
What modal of probability do we use when we are pretty sure of something?
A) Probably.
B) Certainly.
C) Maybe.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The adverb "Certainly" is used when we are very sure of something, indicating a high degree of certainty. This aligns with the context provided in the question where it states that we are "pretty sure" of something.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Probably - indicates a moderate level of certainty, not as strong as "Certainly".
Option B:
Certainly - matches the high degree of certainty implied in the question.
Option C:
Maybe - suggests uncertainty or doubt, which does not fit with being "pretty sure".
Option D:
None of the above - incorrect as "Certainly" is the appropriate choice.
12.
Complete the sentence with the correct modal verb. Surely they ..... understand.
A) May.
B) Would.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Would" is the correct modal verb to use in this context because it expresses a high degree of possibility, indicating that they are very likely to understand. "Surely" already implies certainty, so using "may," which suggests only a low or medium level of possibility, would not fit as well.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
May - Suggests lower likelihood; doesn't match the high certainty implied by "surely."
Option B:
Would - Correct choice for a strong possibility.
Option C:
All the above - Incorrect as only one option fits well with the sentence structure and meaning.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect since "would" is the correct answer.
13.
What modal of probability do we use when we are not as sure of something happening?
A) Definitely.
B) Perhaps/Maybe.
C) Probably.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Adverbs of possibility, such as "perhaps" and "maybe," are used to express uncertainty about the occurrence of an event. When we are not sure if something will happen, these adverbs indicate a level of doubt or speculation that aligns with the context provided in the question.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Definitely" is used for certainty and does not fit when expressing uncertainty.
Option B:
"Perhaps/Maybe" accurately reflects a state of uncertainty, making it the correct choice.
Option C:
"Probably" suggests a higher degree of likelihood than what the question implies. It is used for more certain possibilities.
Option D:
This option is incorrect as one of the given options (B) fits the context perfectly.
14.
Complete the sentence with the correct modal verb. He ..... his son, they look completely different.
A) Wouldn't be.
B) Can't be.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "He can't be his son, they look completely different." is correct because it uses the modal verb "can't" to express a strong possibility that contradicts an expectation based on observable facts (the sons' appearance). This usage aligns with the concept of adverbs of possibility.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Wouldn't be. Incorrect; it implies a habitual action, not a current fact or observation.
Option B:
Can't be. Correct; it expresses impossibility based on the given information.
Option C:
All the above. Incorrect; only "can't" fits the context correctly.
Option D:
None of the above. Incorrect; "can't" is the correct choice.
15.
Read the sentences and put the word in the correct order to make sentences:have / our / clothes / them / will / touch screens / Maybe / in
A) Maybe them will have touch sreens in our clothes.
B) Them Maybe will have touch sreens in our clothes.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is Option A: "Maybe them will have touch sreens in our clothes." This sentence uses the adverb of possibility "maybe" to express uncertainty about a future event involving touch screens on clothing. The word order follows standard English syntax for such sentences.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses "maybe" appropriately as an adverb of possibility.
Option B:
Incorrect. Misplaces the adverb "Maybe," which should come at the beginning or before the verb.
Option C:
Incorrect. Option A is correct, so this cannot be true.
Option D:
Incorrect. Option A is correct and follows proper syntax for an adverb of possibility.
16.
DURING MY TRIP TO LONDON, I MIGHT ..... SOME POSTCARDS.
A) SEND.
B) SENT.
C) SENDING.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "DURING MY TRIP TO LONDON, I MIGHT SEND SOME POSTCARDS." uses the adverb of possibility "MIGHT" which is followed by the base form of the verb (send). This structure indicates a possibility or potential action.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses the base form of the verb after "MIGHT".
Option B:
Incorrect. Past tense does not fit with "MIGHT" in this context.
Option C:
Incorrect. Present participle does not fit with "MIGHT" in this context.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
17.
Provide a sentence using an adverb of possibility.
A) She might possibly arrive late.
B) He could potentially win the game.
C) They may definitely cancel the event.
D) She might possibly arrive early.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The adverb "possibly" is used to express a degree of uncertainty, indicating that something may happen but it is not certain. In the sentence "She might possibly arrive late," the use of "possibly" correctly conveys this level of uncertainty about her arrival time.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correctly uses an adverb of possibility ("possibly").
Option B:
Uses "potentially," which is also correct but not the one specified in the question.
Option C:
Uses "definitely," which indicates certainty, not possibility.
Option D:
Correctly uses an adverb of possibility ("possibly"), but it refers to a different action (arriving early) than Option A.
18.
What is an adverb of possibility?
A) Possibly.
B) Possiblly.
C) Possibl.
D) Possiblity.
Show Answer
Explanations:
An adverb of possibility is used to express the likelihood that something may happen, based on available information or circumstances. "Possibly" is a correct example as it modifies verbs and indicates that an action might occur but is not certain.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Possibly" is an adverb of possibility.
Option B:
Incorrect. The spelling is wrong, making it a distractor.
Option C:
Incorrect. This option lacks the 's' and thus is not a valid word in English.
Option D:
Incorrect. This option refers to the noun form of possibility rather than the adverb.
19.
How do adverbs of possibility modify a verb?
A) Adverbs of possibility modify a verb by expressing the degree of certainty or likelihood associated with the action.
B) Adverbs of possibility modify a verb by indicating the color of the action.
C) Adverbs of possibility modify a verb by specifying the size of the action.
D) Adverbs of possibility modify a verb by determining the taste of the action.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Adverbs of possibility modify a verb by expressing the degree of certainty or likelihood associated with the action. This is because these adverbs, such as "possibly," "probably," and "likely," indicate how certain we are about the occurrence of an event.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Adverbs of possibility modify a verb by expressing the degree of certainty or likelihood associated with the action.
Option B:
Incorrect. Color is not related to adverbs of possibility; they do not indicate the color of an action.
Option C:
Incorrect. Size is unrelated to adverbs of possibility; these adverbs do not specify how large or small an action is.
Option D:
Incorrect. Taste is irrelevant in this context; adverbs of possibility do not determine the taste of actions.
20.
Fill in the blank with an adverb of possibility:She ..... forgot to bring her umbrella.
A) Probably.
B) Carefully.
C) Quickly.
D) Happily.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Probably" is the correct adverb of possibility to fill in the blank because it indicates a high likelihood that she forgot her umbrella, but does not state it as an absolute certainty.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Indicates a strong possibility.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Carefully" describes manner, not possibility.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Quickly" describes speed, not possibility.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Happily" describes emotion, not possibility.
21.
The car began to shudder and there was ..... something wrong with it.
A) Clearley.
B) Cleerly.
C) Clearly.
D) Cleerlee.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
C) Clearly.
The adverb "clearly" fits grammatically and contextually in the sentence, indicating that it was obvious something was wrong with the car. Other options are misspellings or incorrect forms.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect spelling of "Clearly".
Option B:
Incorrect spelling of "Clearly".
Option C:
Correct adverb usage.
Option D:
Incorrect spelling of "Clearly".
22.
What modals of probability do we use when we are sure of something happening?
A) Maybe.
B) Probably.
C) Certainly/Definitely.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Adverbs of possibility are used to express the degree of certainty about something happening. When we are sure that something will happen, we use adverbs like "certainly" and "definitely." These words indicate a high level of certainty or probability.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Maybe - This indicates uncertainty rather than certainty.
Option B:
Probably - This suggests a moderate likelihood, not absolute certainty.
Option C:
Certainly/Definitely - These adverbs express high certainty or probability.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect as "certainly" and "definitely" are appropriate choices.
23.
Choose the correct adverb of possibility to complete the sentence:It might ..... snow in the evening.
A) Possibly.
B) Probably.
C) Definitely.
D) Impossibly.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct adverb of possibility to complete the sentence "It might ..... snow in the evening" is
A) Possibly.
This choice indicates a low level of certainty, which aligns with the use of "might," suggesting that while there is some chance of snow, it is not certain.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Indicates a slight possibility, fitting the context.
Option B:
Implies a higher likelihood than suggested by "might."
Option C:
Suggests certainty, which contradicts the use of "might."
Option D:
Contradicts the sentence as it implies impossibility.
24.
Select the appropriate adverb of possibility to complete the sentence:The package could ..... arrive today.
A) Rarely.
B) Possibly.
C) Never.
D) Definitely.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Possibly" is the correct adverb of possibility to complete the sentence because it indicates that there is a chance, but not certainty, that the package will arrive today. "Could possibly" conveys this uncertainty appropriately.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Rarely - This adverb refers to frequency and does not indicate possibility.
Option B:
Possibly - Correct, as it indicates a chance or probability.
Option C:
Never - This negates the possibility entirely, making it incorrect.
Option D:
Definitely - This adverb implies certainty, which is not appropriate for expressing uncertainty about an event happening today.
25.
Complete the sentence:She will ..... pass the exam.
A) Always.
B) Definitely.
C) Sometimes.
D) Never.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The adverb "definitely" is used to express certainty, indicating that something will happen without any doubt. In the sentence "She will definitely pass the exam," it conveys a high level of confidence in her success.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Always" suggests regularity rather than certainty. It does not convey as strong an assurance as "definitely."
Option B:
"Definitely" expresses a high degree of certainty, making it the correct choice here.
Option C:
"Sometimes" implies occasional success but lacks the certainty implied by "definitely."
Option D:
"Never" suggests impossibility, which is not indicated in the sentence.
26.
The word 'perhaps' means that something is definitely going to happen.
A) True.
B) False.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The word 'perhaps' is an adverb of possibility, indicating that something might happen but is not certain. It does not mean that something is definitely going to happen.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
False.
Option B:
True.
Option C:
False.
Option D:
False.
27.
Complete the sentence with the correct modal verb ..... you help me with the housework, please?
A) Could.
B) Must.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "..... you help me with the housework, please?" is a polite request for assistance. In English, the modal verb "could" is often used to make requests or ask for favors in a polite manner. It expresses a low level of certainty and indicates that the speaker is asking for something that might not be certain.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Could" is appropriate here as it softens the request, making it more polite.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Must" implies necessity and does not fit the context of a polite request.
Option C:
Incorrect. "All the above" is incorrect because only one option fits the context.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
28.
Complete the sentence with the correct modal verb. She ..... sell her home because she needs money.
A) Would.
B) Might.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "She might sell her home because she needs money" uses the modal verb "might," which indicates a possibility that is not certain but still within the realm of likelihood. This fits well with the context where the speaker is expressing that selling the home could happen, but it's not guaranteed.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Would - Incorrect. "Would" typically indicates a habitual action or a strong intention, which doesn't fit the context of possibility here.
Option B:
Might - Correct. As explained, this modal verb fits well with expressing a possible but not certain action.
Option C:
All the above - Incorrect. While "might" is correct, "would" and "all the above" are not appropriate choices in this context.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect. Since "might" is a valid choice, this option is incorrect.
29.
Complete the sentence with the correct adverb of possibility. I can come this time but I ..... will next time.
A) Obviously.
B) Definitely.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Definitely" is the correct adverb of possibility to complete the sentence because it expresses certainty about a future action, indicating that the speaker will come next time without any doubt.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Obviously" suggests something that is clear or evident, which does not fit well in this context as it doesn't convey strong certainty for the future.
Option B:
"Definitely" conveys a high degree of certainty about a future action, making it the appropriate choice here.
Option C:
"All the above" is incorrect because only one option fits the context perfectly.
Option D:
"None of the above" is also incorrect as "Definitely" is the correct answer.
30.
Read the sentences and put the word in the correct order to make sentences:company / I / will / for / software / work / a / definitely
A) I will definitely work software for a company.
B) I definitely will work software for a company.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) I definitely will work software for a company.
In this sentence, "definitely" is used as an adverb of possibility to express certainty about the future action. The word order follows standard English syntax: subject (I), auxiliary verb (will), adverb (definitely), main verb (work), and prepositional phrase (for software for a company).
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect because "definitely" should precede the modal verb "will".
Option B:
Correct as it places "definitely" before "will", modifying the certainty of the future action.
Option C:
Incorrect, same reason as Option A. "Definitely" must come before "will".
Option D:
Incorrect because there is a correct option (B).
Frequently Asked Questions
What are adverbs of possibility?
Adverbs of possibility are words that express the degree to which something is possible, such as "probably," "possibly," and "likely." They modify verbs or other adverbs to indicate how certain or uncertain an action or state might be.
How do adverbs of possibility differ from other types of adverbs?
Adverbs of possibility are distinct because they specifically deal with the likelihood or probability of an action. Unlike time, place, or manner adverbs, which describe when, where, or how something happens, adverbs of possibility focus on the level of certainty about a situation.
Can you give examples of common adverbs of possibility?
Certainly! Common examples include "probably," "possibly," "likely," and "maybe." These words help to convey the degree of certainty or uncertainty in a statement, such as saying something might happen or is likely to occur.
Where do adverbs of possibility fit in a sentence?
Adverbs of possibility can be placed before the main verb, after the subject but before the verb, or at the end of the sentence. Their position can sometimes change the emphasis slightly, but they generally modify the action or state being described.
Why are adverbs of possibility important in writing?
Adverbs of possibility are crucial for expressing nuance and uncertainty, which can be essential in clear communication. They help to convey the speaker's or writer's level of confidence about a situation, making the text more precise and reflective of real-world probabilities.