Modals of

Deduction
Modals of Deduction
• We use modal verbs of deduction to make
guesses or draw conclusions based on the
information available.

• guess; reaching a conclusion by reasoning and

logic, based on evidence
•The usual modal verbs that express
deduction are:
-must
-might
-could
-can't
modal verb of deduction approx. certainty +/-

must 99% positive

might 50%
could 30%

can't 99% negative

He must be a policeman (because he's wearing

a police uniform).
It might/may/could be going to rain (because
there is a large grey cloud in the sky).
It can't be going to snow (because it never
snows in Thailand).
Modal of deduction: must
• We use MUST when we have strong evidence and we are
certain that something is true.
You must be tired after such a long drive.
She must be the new boss. I saw her in the boardroom.

They must have been shopping. Look at all those bags!

This window's smashed. The thieves must have climbed
in here.
Modal of deduction: might/may
• We use MIGHT/MAY when we have some evidence and we
think something is possible but we’re not certain. Note that
the possibility can also be negative — might not, may not.

Suzie's looking for work. She might be interested in this

job offer.
It's very early. The car might not be ready.
Where are my keys? You might have left them in the
shop.
Joe's a bit deaf. He might not have heard the phone.
Could
• we use COULD when we're a bit less certain.

I haven't seen Tim for ages. He could be on

holiday.
The kids aren't home yet. They could
have missed the bus.
Modal of deduction: can't
• We use CAN'T (CANNOT) when we have strong evidence and
we are certain that something is NOT true.

That can't be the President. He hasn't got any

bodyguards.
She can't be in London yet. It takes three hours at least.
He can't have heard the phone otherwise he'd have
answered it.
It can't have been the fish that made him sick. He didn't
eat any.
VOCABULARY

•Textbook
•P. 80
•3a,3b( p.139-7A, a,b)
•Notebook