Finish the rules

You know that the same modal verbs can perform various functions and have different meanings. In this lesson, we will learn about the modals used for speaking about predictions, certainty and possibility.

• must
• can't
• may
• could
• uncertain
• not

1. When we are very sure something is true, we use [ ]. Very often we also can see some real evidence for our idea.

   For example, She is not answering the phone. She must be out now.

   Or: It must be a pen because it looks like ink.

2. We use [ ] when we realize that something is impossible or not true. Can't in this context is the opposite of must.

   For instance, We haven't walked far. You can't be tired yet.

   Or: That can't be John's car because his car is at the garage.

3. We use [ ] or might to say that something is possible or it is quite likely. We use them for the present and the future.

   For example, I may go to the party tomorrow. — Maybe, I will go to the party tomorrow.

   Or: My team might win the cup. — Perhaps, my team will win the cup.

4. We use [ ] to say that something is possible. Here we mean ONLY possibility. So, something is possible but not necessarily likely.

   For example, The story could be true. — It is possible that the story is true but the chances are very low.

   You could win the lottery. — Theoretically, you can win the lottery, but practically it's unlikely.

5. All the three verbs: could, may and might are used when we are [ ] about the future. They all transmit some meaning of doubt and vagueness about what will happen in the future.

6. To form the negative form of might / may / could, we just need to add [ ] after them.