The document discusses different modal verbs used to express certainty, probability, and speculation in English. It explains that "must" is used to state something that is certainly true, while "can't" expresses logical assumptions that something is untrue. "May" and "might" suggest something is possible but not certain. These modal verbs can be used with different verb tenses, with the infinitive indicating present speculation and the continuous "-ing" form suggesting an action in progress at the time of speaking. Examples are provided to illustrate the usage of each modal verb.

1. Modals of deduction
B1
MíriamTomàs

2. How can we express certainty,
probability or speculation?
Let’s put the
thinking cap
on

3. must
You have been practising all day,
you must be exhausted!

4. must
Sean and Jennie must be going out again. I’ve seen
them holding hands today.

5. Logical assumptions and deductions
Must:
▪ is used in affirmative sentences.
▪ states something about which you are certain that is true.

6. Modal verbs and different tenses
We can use modal
verbs with different
combinations of
verbs to change the
time of the actions.

7. must
You have been practising all day,
you must be exhausted!

8. must
You have been practising all day,
you must be exhausted!
Infinitive = present
speculation

9. must
Sean and Jennie must be going out again. I’ve seen
them holding hands today.

10. Infinitive + gerund (continuous) = in
progress at the time of speaking
must
Sean and Jennie must be going out again. I’ve seen
them talking very lovey-dovey, you know.

11. Next!

12. Can’t
What you say about Claire and Jake can’t be true!They’re so
good together it’s impossible they’re going to break up.

13. Can’t
▪ Can’t is used in negations and express negative logical
assumptions.That is to say, you use them when you’re certain that
something is not true or real.
Monsters can’t be real!

14. Can’t
▪ Can’t is the opposite of must. So we don’t say:
Monsters mustn’t be real!
but:
Monsters can’t be real!

15. Modal verbs and different tenses
We can use modal
verbs with different
combinations of
verbs to change the
time of the actions.

16. Can’t
What you say about Claire and Jake can’t be true!They’re so
good together it’s impossible they’re going to break up.

17. Infinitive = speculation about
the present
Can’t
What you say about Claire and Jake can’t be true!They’re so
good together it’s impossible they’re going to break up.

18. The children can’t be studying. I can hear them
gossiping.
Can’t

19. The children can’t be studying. I can hear them
gossiping.
Can’t
Infinitive + gerund = speculation
about an action in progress at the
time of speaking

20. Next!

21. Laura might not like that skirt. It’s not really her style.
May and might

22. I’m surprisedTed isn’t here. Hey may not know that the
meeting is today.
May and might

23. We use may and might when we think it’s possible that
something’s happened or is true.
May and might
We’re not 100% sure!

24. Modal verbs and different tenses
We can use modal
verbs with different
combinations of
verbs to change the
time of the actions.

25. Laura might not like that skirt. It’s not really her style.
May and might

26. Laura might not like that skirt. It’s not really her style.
May and might
Infinitive = speculation about
the present

27. John hasn’t arrived yet. He might be driving around
looking for our house.
May and might

28. John hasn’t arrived yet. He might be driving around
looking for our house.
May and might
Infinitive + gerund = speculation
about an action in progress at the
time of speaking

29. He hasn’t arrived yet:
He might be lost.
He might be looking for the right directions.
May and might
Different tenses can be used
after the modal verb:
+ infinitive  present
+ be + -ing  action in
progress

30. Now it’s your
turn!
Go to page 143 to complete
exercise 3.