Modal verbs for speculation 6.4
When do we use modal verbs for speculation ? People must feel very tired after a day hiking with a heavy backpack. The campsite might have hot showers, but it could be one of those places with no facilities. Finn can’t be happy about the weather on his trip. The rain hasn’t stopped ! We use must when we strongly believe that something is true ; could, might and may when we think something is possibly true ; and can’t if we think something is not true. Copyright © 2 020 by Pearson Education Wider World 3
Read Alfie’s thoughts about cruises. What does he: a) strongly believe is true, b) think is possibly true, c) think is not true ? Some people love cruises, but I don’t think I want to go on one. You’re stuck on a ship a lot of the time. That may be nice for some people, but it could be a bit boring. And it might be really frustrating, because you can’t choose the places you visit. It can’t be fun to feel seasick while you’re on holiday. And cruises are very expensive, too. There must be better ways to have a holiday! Copyright © 2 020 by Pearson Education Wider World 3 b) He thinks this is possibly true. a) He strongly believes this is true. c) He thinks this is not true.
must might, may, could can’t She must feel exhausted after the trip. It might / may / could be cold at night. = It’s possibly or probably cold. This rucksack can’t weigh much. It’s so small! Copyright © 2 020 by Pearson Education Wider World 3 How do we make sentences with must, might, may, could and can’t ? = I’m sure it doesn’t weigh much. We use must + infinitive when we strongly believe that something is true. To express lack of obligation, we use don’t have to. We use might, may or could + infinitive when we think something is possibly true. To express lack of obligation, we use don’t have to. We use can’t + infinitive if we believe something is not true. = I’m sure she feels exhausted. Modal verbs for speculation
A: Look at his red face! He must / might / can’t be exhausted ! B: Oh yes ! But look at those huge bags on the back of his bike. It must / may / can’t be easy to cycle with those. A: True. They must / could / can’t be very heavy – at least 20 kg. A: Look, no one is swimming. The water must / could / can’t be freezing. B: No, it must / might / can’t be freezing in this sunny weather. The water’s always quite warm here. A: Well, something’s stopping people from swimming. The water must / may / can’t be muddy, or it must / might / can’t be full of seaweed. Yuck ! I’m definitely not going in. Circle the correct words in these dialogues. Practice Time Copyright © 2 020 by Pearson Education Wider World 3
