Jerónimo's Lesson

Modal verbs of speculation and deduction

He can’t be that famous. I’ve never heard his name before. 

It’s been three days. They could/might/may have finished painting the house by now. 

They are almost identical. They must be sisters.

I can’t get hold of him on the phone. He could/might/may be away. 

MUST

90% certain something is/was true

MAY / MIGHT / COULD (N'T)

50% possibility that something is/was true or not

CAN'T

90% certain something isn't true

Modal verbs

PRESENT TENSES

• After the modal we use an infinitive.

He must win the competition. He is the best by far.

He can't speak German very well. He has only lived in Germany for one month.

Modal verbs

PAST TENSES

• After the modal we use have + past participle.

I could have earned a lot as an accounting manager, but the job was just too boring.

Yesterday I fell running and I think I might have sprained my ankle.