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Gs Modals of Deduction

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23 views2 pages

Gs Modals of Deduction

Uploaded by

Alene
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Grammar videos: Modals of deduction

Remember to watch the video first! Then read the


conversation between Sophie and Nur, an English
language student that Sophie met when she was
travelling in Indonesia.

We use the modal verbs might, may and could + an infinitive form without to when we think
it is possible that something is true. We use must when we are sure it is true and can’t
when we are sure it isn’t true.

So, we can use might, may and could for making guesses?

Yes. They’re all used when we are not sure about something, but we
Nur think that it is possible that it is true.

They might be some kind of small pig.

But could I also say, 'They could be a kind of pig' or 'They


may be a kind of pig'?

Yes, you could. The meanings are really similar. You can choose Sophie
whether to use may, might or could.

Ah, OK. So if I'm not sure about something I can use may, might or
could and the meaning is almost the same. That's easy to remember.

Yes, that's right. But there's something else which affects the
meaning, and that's how you say it; the 'intonation'. If you stress
may, might or could it sounds less probable.
It could be mango juice. (less likely)
It could be mango juice. (more likely)

OK, and if I’m sure about something, what modals do I use?

We use must if we think something is true and can’t if we think something


isn’t true.
So, it must come from an animal.
That looks like tomato juice, but it can’t be, that would be too easy.
Grammar videos: Modals of deduction

Do the verb forms change in the third person?

No, they don’t change. They are the same in the first, second and third person.

Great! I think I like these modals!

You're right. Once you know the rules, they're pretty easy. Don't
forget they are always followed by the infinitive form without to. We
also use may/might + be + -ing for something happening right now or
a possible future arrangement.
That might be Mum phoning from Bali.
She might be going to Australia.

You also used 'it could be a kind of pig' for describing


something in the present.

Yes, but that was with the verb to be, a stative verb. We use the -ing
form with active or dynamic verbs.

I see. Is there anything else to be careful about?

Yes, if you are talking about possibility in the past you need the
modal + have + past participle.

She might have taken those photos in China.


I may have thrown it away by mistake.

Hmm. I think I may need to practise these verbs a bit.

Yes, you might be right!

Watch the video on our website!

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