b2 Grammar for Modals of speculation

Modal verbs of speculation

A

Modals of Certainty

If we are fairly certain about something, must, can't and couldn't can be used to express this.

1 For present situations the modal verbs must, can't and couldn't are followed by the infinitive without to.

'I haven't slept for two days. 'You must be exhausted!'

Everyone here is wearing a football scarf, so we can’t be very far from the stadium.

The continuous infinitive can also be used.

Why is he wearing his uniform? He couldn't be going to school - it's Saturday today.

2 For past situations we use the same modal verbs + have + past participle.

I can't find my book. I must have left it at school.

This composition isn't very good. you can't have spent very long on it.

The continuous form can also be used.

'And then I lost control of the car:' 'You must have been driving too fast.'

NB

mustn't is not normally used when speculating about present or past situations.

B

Modals of Possibility

If we are not certain about something but think it is possible, we use may (not), might (not) or could.

1 For present situations these modal verbs are followed by the infinitive without to. The continuous infinitive is also possible.

'Eds not answering my e-mails.' 'He might be on holiday.'

he could be telling the truth, but it's hard to believe.

2 For past situations we use the same modal verbs + have + past participle (the continuous form is possible).

I think we may have taken the wrong road. This doesn't look familiar.

'Sean looked a little sad.' 'He might not have been feeling very well.'

NB

It is not possible to use can when speculating about present or past situations.

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