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:

We must be interested in laws and practices.

Paul can't be about to leave the sector.

Susan might be able to attend on a scholarship.

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:

The lead agencies must be responsible for implementation.

Graham must be trained in comedy.

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 attend on a scholarship.

John might be involved in a scientific evaluation.

'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:

Shannon can't be planning to attend the hearing without legal assistance.

Craig can't be serious when he denies that there are multiple learning styles.

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