Use of modals for possibility / probability
- 1. Use of modals for possibility / probability Based on English Grammar in Use 3rd Edition - Units 27-35
- 2. COULD We can use could to say that something is possible now or in the future and it's similar to might or may : That story could be true.
- 3. COULD HAVE We use it to talk about the past: I'm so tired, I could sleep for a week. I was so tired, I could have slept for a week.
- 4. MUST/CAN'T We use must to say that you believe something is certain. You've been travelling all day. You must be tired.
- 5. MUST / CAN'T We use can to say that you believe something is not possible: You've jsut had lunch. You can't be hungry.
- 6. MUST HAVE / CAN'T HAVE For the past we use must have / can't have: I didn't hear the phone, I must have been asleep. Tom walked into a wall. He can't have been looking where he was going.
- 7. MAY / MIGHT They express a possibility and their negative forms are may not and might not: That may/might be true (there is a possibility) That may not / might not be true (perhaps it isn't true)
- 8. MAY HAVE/ MIGHT HAVE We use them for the past: I wonder why Kate didn't answer the phone, she may have been asleep. (perhaps she was asleep)
- 9. COULD / MAY /MIGHT Could is similar to might/may : It could / might / may be true. Couldn't is different: Sarah couldn't have got my message, otherwise she would have replied. I wonder why Sarah hasn't replied to my message, she might not have got it.
- 10. SHOULD / OUGHT TO We ought to / should from Mary this weekend.