Modals of deduction

Modals of deduction

INDEX

1. introduction

2. Important Information

índice

3. Video

4. Practice

Volver

Inicio

Siguiente

Introduction

We can use modal verbs to show that we are making a deduction using evidence, not stating a fact: We must be early. Nobody else has arrived yet. They work at the same office, so they may know each other. She might not be in. The lights are all out. That can't be Mark's car. He told me it was in the garage.

Volver

Inicio

Siguiente

Introduction

Different modal verbs tell us how sure about a deduction we are:

Volver

Inicio

Siguiente

Important Information

• The opposite of must for deductions is can't. Don't use must not / mustn't, can or couldn't for deductions:

This bill can't be right. I only ordered a salad.NOT This bill couldn't/must not mustn't be rightThere must be a mistake.NOT There can be-a-mistake

Volver

Inicio

Siguiente

Important Information

• There is almost no difference between may, might and could. All three mean that something is possible.

• To make deductions about actions happening now, use: a modal +be+ verb with -ing

• She isn't answering the phone. She might be listening to music.

Volver

Inicio

Siguiente

VIDEO

Inicio

Practice