Audio 68

  GRAMMAR

MODALS VERBS OF DEDUCTION

Some modal verbs can be used to express probability in the present and past.

Must, can’t: expressing present probability

Structure: modal + verb infinitive without ‘to’.


Must be, can’t be, must cook, can’t cook, etc.

We use ‘must’ to express that we feel sure that something is true.

See the examples:

We use ‘can’t’ to say we are sure that something is impossible.

See the examples:


a. Sonia is studying hard; she must pass the

exam.

b. They have a big house and two expensive

cars. They must be rich.

a. She can’t be sick. I saw her dancing at the

dinner yesterday.

b. I don’t believe you. It can’t be true.

May, might, could: probability in the present.

Structure: modal verb + verb infinitive without ‘to’ may be, might do, could go, etc.


We use ‘may’, ‘could’ or ‘might’ to say that it is possible that something will happen in the future or is happening now.

See the examples:

The negative form of ‘may’ is ‘may not’, the negative form of ‘might’ is ‘might not’. Both ‘may not’ and ‘might not’ mean that it is possible that something will not happen or is not happening now.

See the examples:


a. They may be leaving tomorrow.

b. He might be away next month.

c. He could be away on holiday.


a. He might not get the job.

b. I may not get a visa.

c. She may not arrive early.

Exercise 1
(éksersais uán)

Read carefully and match ideas using their letters.

1. She got a terrible cold.
a. She must go to the drugstore.
2. Karina needs some aspirins. b. She must see a doctor.
3. They are going to prepare brownies.
c. I must go to the Japanese restaurant.
4. He is writing a letter to his mother.
d. He must deliver it to the post office.
5. I want to eat sushi.
 e. They must buy some flour.


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