Topics

Present

Past

Past to Present

Future

Abilities - Responsibilities

Asking Questions

Choosing the Right Phrase

Combining Verbs

Explaining Ideas

Describing Your World

Complex Ideas

Relating Ideas, People, Objects

Speaking about Objects

Wondering about Situations

What Is Probably True

Modal Verbs of Probability - Present

Modal verbs of probability express an opinion based on what a speaker knows about a situation at the moment of speaking. The following forms are used to speak about present situations.

Example:

Susan might be interested in seasonal work.

Craig can't be serious about cutting our hourly pay.

Coastal resort areas must be preparing for the hurricane.

Present Forms

'Must' plus the verb expresses the idea that you are almost 100% sure of your opinion about a given situation.

Subject + must + base form of verb + objects

Example:

Coastal resort areas must be preparing for the hurricane.

Transportation companies must be concerned about the decline in oil production.

Use 'might' or 'could' to express an opinion that you think has a good possibility of being true.

Subject + might / could + base form of verb + objects

Example:

Susan might be able to prepare the beverage.

Susan might be interested in seasonal work.

'Can't' plus the verb expresses the idea that you are almost 100% sure that something is not true.

Subject + can't + base form of verb + objects

Example:

You can't expect we will reach full-capacity.

You can't deny that this is an on-property amenity.

Courses
English for Business and Commerce

English for Production and Manufacturing

English for NGO and NPO (Non-Governmental Organizations, Non-Profit Organizations)

Share This Page