PsblV: Possibility is expressed through the use of an independent word that appears (indirectly or directly) before the verb.

(1) wēra ʌoŋət-tə kīm taja-ʌ.

Vera count-prs.ptc possibility possess-prs.3sg

‘Vera can count.’ (L. N. K.)

(2) tēm ʌɔ̄r-nə päwət-tə kim waʌ-ʌ.

det lake-loc bath-prs.ptc possibility be-prs.3sg

‘You can / everybody is allowed to swim in this lake.’ (L. N. K.)

In Surgut Khanty, modal possibility is coded by a construction, which contains the participle form of the main verb, followed by a modal element meaning ‘possibility, skill’. The construction is followed by the verbal predicate. The clause can be formed displaying possession (1) or existence (2).