MODAL VERBS- OF DEDUCTION/SPECULATION

- based on the speaker's knowledge or experience

- based on observable evidence

1) EXPRESSING CERTAINTY about present about past

This must be Tom. (This will be Tom.) It must have been Tom.

This can't be Tom. It can't have been Tom.

2) EXPRESSING UNCERTAINTY/POSSIBILITY/PROBABILITY

about present about past

This may/might/could be Tom. It may/might/could have been Tom.

This may not/might not be Tom. It may not/might not have been Tom.

- speculations about present are expressed by use of a proper modal + present infinitive of the main verb
- speculations about the past are expressed by use of a proper modal + perfect infinitive of the main verb (have + past participle)