Now take a crack at this example and following exercises. Add a helper to the main
verb. The information in parentheses after the fill-in-the-blank sentence explains what
meaning the sentence should have.
Q. Steve said that he _______________ consider running for Parks Commissioner, but he
hasn’t made his mind up yet. (possibility)
A. might or may. The might or may shows that Steve hasn’t ruled out a run.
56. Melissa, shy as ever, said that she _______________ go to the tree-cutting ceremony only if
the press agreed to stay outside the forest. (condition)
57. Kirk, beat reporter for the local radio station, _______________ not agree to any conditions,
because the station manager insisted on eyewitness coverage. (ability)
58. Lisa, on the other hand, explained that if barred from the event she _______________ rely
on an interview with Steve after the event. (possibility)
59. Lisa knows that Steve _______________ leap to fame based on the tree-cutting incident,
and she doesn’t want to miss an important scoop. (ability)
60. All good reporters _______________ know that if a tree falls in the forest, the sound is
heard by a wide audience only if a radio reporter is there. (duty)in the
present or future. (“I will go if I can find a free ticket.”)