ahdsgfahfdahdfahk

Modal verbs for present and past speculation

When can we use them?

We use the modal verbs must, may, might, could, can't to speculate about events in the present and past

Degrees of certainty

CERTAIN THAT SOMETHING IS TRUE: must LESS CERTAIN (POSSIBLE): may, might, could CERTAIN THAT SOMETHING IS FALSE: can't

Which one should I use?

50/50

Impossible - 0%

Definite - 100%

must

can't

may/may not might/might not could

How can I paraphrase them?

must

can't

may/might/could

• Perhaps
• Maybe
• Probably
• I'm not sure/certain
• I suppose
• It's possible
• It's likely

• I'm sure...(not)
• I'm certain...(not)
• There is no doubt...(not)
• It's definitely not
• It's impossible

• I'm sure
• I'm certain
• There's no doubt
• It's definitely

Speculations about the present

He may be tired.

must may/may not might/might not could can't

+ infinitive

He might have a headache.

Speculations about the present (in progress)

He must be resting at home.

must may/may not might/might not could can't

+ be + verb + ING

He may be crying.

Speculations about the past

He might have received some bad news.

must may/may not might/might not could can't/couldn't

+ have + participle

It coulnd't have been that easy.

Speculations about the present - further examples

Speculations about the past - further examples

He must have robbed a bank.

The police might/may/could have seen him.

He can't/couldn't have taken much money.

Let's speculate about the following situations