Communicative functions: Interacting with others

Adjusting our interaction with others

Expressing probability, usuality and frequency

We can talk about probability, usuality and frequency in different ways and with different levels of intensity:

	We can say how probable something is: MegaMonster probably drank all the water. Granny Gong might be able to help us.
	We can say how usual or frequent something is: Granny Gong is never wrong. MegaMonster is always bad. MischiefMaker often helps MegaMonster. Children usually like chocolate biscuits, but they rarely like homework. The children sometimes eat chocolate biscuits but Granny Gong rarely does.

To say how probable or usual something is we use modal words. These can be verbs and adverbs, nouns and adjectives. They can also be strong, medium or weak. For example:

modal verb	must	will	might
modal adverb	certainly always	probably usually	possibly sometimes
modal noun	certainty	probability	possibility
modal adjective	certain	probable	possible

We can grade modal words which express probability and frequency along a scale between strong and weak in the following way:

For more information about responding to requests, see:
 
Text types: Particular Descriptions: Expressing feelings and opinions
Text types: Recounts: Expressing feelings and opinions
Text types: Stories: Building atmosphere and suspense
Grammar: Groups & phrases: Verb group: Adjusting interactions: modality: Overview

Teaching activities

For PrimeTeach teaching activities which provide KS2 students with practice in expressing probability, usuality and frequency, see: An interview with a fireman Food bingo