Modals of deduction (must, can´t, may, might, could)
Modals – deduction (present) We use modal verbs to say how sure we are about something. 1 must We use must when we feel sure that something is true because there’s very strong evidence. He must live near here because he comes to work on foot. We don’t know where he lives but we’re sure it’s not far away. Come inside and get warm – you must be freezing out there. You’re a zookeeper? That must be very interesting. Notice that must is followed by an infinitive without ‘to’. 2 might, may, could We use might, may or could to say that we think something is possible but we’re not sure. Did you hear that? I think there might be a burglar downstairs. She’s not sure there’s a burglar but she thinks it’s possible. We’ll try to get there early but we may arrive late if there’s a lot of traffic. Don’t put it up there. It could fall off and hit someone. Might, may and could are also followed by an infinitive without ‘to’. 3 can’t We use can’t when we fee...