Modal Verbs of

Probability
• Modal verbs → play a crucial role in expressing the degree of probability
or certainty in a given situation.
• These verbs provide insights into the speaker's level of confidence and
logical reasoning.

Mgr. Patrik Kondáš

Expressing Probability in the Present and Future

1 Must/Can't
• The modal verbs "must" and "can't" convey a logical conclusion about the
probability of a situation.
• "Must" indicates a high level of certainty, while "can't" suggests an
improbable outcome.

2 May/Might/Could
• These modal verbs express varying degrees of probability in the present or
future.
• "May" and "might" indicate a moderate level of uncertainty, while "could"
suggests a more speculative possibility.

3 Negating Probability
The negative forms "may not" and "might not" are used to express the lack of
probability, while "couldn't" is less common in this context.
Continuous Infinitive and Question Forms

Continuous Infinitive Question Forms

When discussing probability, the Asking about probabilities using modal verbs is less
continuous infinitive (formed with "be + - common.
ing") can be used to express a sense of an Instead, we often use the phrase "Do you think..." to
ongoing or temporary situation. inquire about possibilities.

Examples: Examples:
"You must be joking!" "Do you think she's married?" „She can‘t be!“
"They can't still be eating!" "Where do you think he's from?„ „He might be Portuguese!“
Expressing Probability in the Past
1 Perfect Infinitive
To express degrees of probability in
the past, the perfect infinitive
(formed with "have + past participle")
is used.
2 Probability Levels
Modal verbs like "must have," "can't
have," "may have," "might have," and
"could have" express varying levels of
certainty about past events.

3 Continuous Infinitive
The continuous infinitive (formed with "have + been + -ing") can also be used to discuss
probability in the past, indicating an ongoing or temporary situation.