Some modal verbs can be used to express probability in the present and past.
|
Must / can't - to express probability in the present |
||
|
Structure: modal + infinitive without to |
||
|
We use must to express that we feel sure that something is true. |
They are really good, they must win. |
|
|
We use can't to say we are sure that something is impossible. |
She can't be ill. I've just seen her in the shop and she looked
fine. |
|
|
May / might / could - to express probability in the present |
||
|
Structure: modal + infinitive without to |
||
|
We use may or could or might to say that it is possible that something will happen or is happening. |
They may be arriving tomorrow. |
|
|
The negative of may is may not. We DO NOT use could not to express probability. |
He might not be offered the job. I may not pass the exam. I might not go to the match tomorrow. I |
|
Practise this grammar: modal verbs for present probability exercise – must, can’t, could, may, might (intermediate)