Modal verbs Review

https://www.perfect-english-grammar.com/modal-verbs-of-probability.html

 

1: Talking about the present:

must / might / could / may / can't + infinitive

I am waiting for Julie with another friend, David.
I ask: 'Where is Julie?'
David guesses:

• She must be on the bus. (I'm fairly sure this is a good guess)
• She might come soon. (maybe)
• She could be lost. (maybe)
• She may be in the wrong room. (maybe)
• She can't be at home. (I'm fairly sure this isn't true)
  

Rephrasing sentences using Modal Verbs

It’s unlikely that----- can’t / might (not)

It’s certain that ------ must

Perhaps -------------- might / might not

It’s impossible ------ can’t

2: Using modal verbs to talk about the past:

must / might / could / may / can't + have + past participle

You: Where was Julie last night?
David:

• She must have forgotten about our date.
• She might have worked late.
• She could have taken the wrong bus.
• She may have felt ill.
• She can't have stayed at home.
  

Debbie was late last night. ( may / miss the bus)

She may have missed the bus.

Emma got excellent grades at school.

She must have been a good student.