73 Modals of Speculation

Modals of Deduction and Speculation are also called Modals of Probability. They are used when we want to make a guess about something. Different modals can be used depending on how sure you are about the situation.

Here are the Modals of Speculation and their forms:

• Must + infinitive;
• Might/might not + infinitive;
• Could/could not + infinitive;
• May/may not + infinitive;
• Should/should not + infinitive;
• Can/can’t + infinitive.

• Nuclear energy must be harmful for the environment.
• There might be traffic on the main road because of the festival.
• She couldn’t paint this wall with watercolours.
• Environmental problems and natural disasters may create problem for people.
• Thunders and lightnings should make noise.
• He can’t go to school because there is a heavy snowfall outside.

We use Modals of Speculation when we talk about the present.

• Must: We use it when we are sure about something;
• May/Might/Could: These modals are used for probabilities and predictions;
• Should: We use these to make guess about something that is likely to happen;
• Can: We use it to talk about something that happens sometimes, something possible.