Modal Verbs – Deduction & Speculation – Present & Future (B1)
A. We can use modal verbs for deduction and speculation. The modal verb we choose shows how certain we are about the possibility. In this lesson, we will focus on making deductions about the present and future.
MUST
CAN'T
MAY/MIGHT
 certainly true
We are sure that something is true. It expresses certainty.
» Ask him, he must know.
» It’s 9 o’clock, she must be working now.
Â
impossible
We are sure that something is not true, or it is impossible.
» John left for London. It can’t be him.
» She seems to be sad. She can’t be enjoying the party.
maybe true
We think that it’s possible that something will happen or that something is true. It means perhaps/maybe. Might is similar to may, but you hesitate more.
» He may come tomorrow.
» She might not like that colour.
B. How to form it?
Modal verb + bare present infinitive (an infinitive verb form without to)
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- Present: She may write a letter.Â
- Present in progress: She may be writing a letter.
- Passive voice in present: The letter may be written by her.