Mysteries

unsolved
A brief explanation
about modals of
probability
Why do we use modals of
probability?
• We can use these modal verbs
(also called modals of
deduction, speculation or
certainty) when we want to
make a guess about
something. We choose the
verb depending on how sure
we are.
Talking about the present.
• must / might / could / may / can't + infinitive

• For example:

I am waiting for Julie with another friend, David.

I ask: 'Where is Julie?'

David guesses:

She might/could/may be on the bus right now; (Maybe)

She must be on her way, she woke up very early today. (I am very certain where she is)

She can’t be late and she can’t be at home. (I am very certain that this is not true)
Can x Could: Specific situations
• Can is not used to talk about specific possibilities:
• He could be on the bus (not: 'can be’)

• Example:
John and I are analyzing a situation. It looks very suspicious.
John guesses:
This could be a trap. We should get out of here.
Situations. Let’s
analyze together
Number 1
• Jane and I decided to buy a
Playstation 5. However, the prices
are too high.
Jane guesses...
Situation 2
• The last time I talked to Tom it was
last night when we arranged to meet
at the café at noon. It’s 2 pm and he
hasn’t returned my calls ever since...
I think to myself “Where’s Tom?”
Situation 3
• Tim and Jason are looking at the mirror
observing his mom talking to the headmaster
of the school. They did something bad before
this conversation. Both have cheated on a test.
Tim asks Jason: “Hey, what do you think mom
will do to us?”
Jason guesses...
Situation 4
• Everyone knows Marilyn Monroe. She was
an outstanding woman even though people
say that she was dumb! However, there’s one
thing that no one ever understood: Her tragic
and suspicious death. Stil...the questions
remains: What probably happened to her?