MODAL VERBS FOR SPECULATING

1

To express certainty
(BET / SURE)
use
MUST

We use MUST when we feel sure
that something is true or it's
the only realistic possibility.

Examples

- This must be her house.
- He must live near here because
he always walks to work.

2

To express possibility
(POSSIBLE)
use
CAN´T / COULD

COULD

We use COULD to say
that we think something
is possible.

Examples

- You could be right.
- They could still be
waiting for us.

CAN´T

We use CAN´T when we
feel sure that something
is not possible.

Examples

- It can't be far now.
- She can't know about the
complaint.

3

To express you are not sure
(MAYBE)
use
MAY / MIGHT

MAY / MIGHT

We use MAY/ MIGHT when
we are not sure about something
in the present or future.

Example

- Jack may be coming to
see us tomorrow.
- It looks nice, but it might
be very expensive.