اللغة الإنجليزية 10 فصل ثاني

العاشر

We use these modal verbs when we are not 100% sure about a fact, but we are making a "guess" or "deduction" based on the evidence we see.

Use must when you are nearly sure that something is true because the evidence is very strong.

Meaning: "I am sure it is..."
Example: "The chef is sweating and looks unhappy. He must have too many dishes to prepare." (It is the only logical explanation).

Use these when you think something is possible, but you aren't sure.

Meaning: "Perhaps" or "It is possible."
Note: Might is slightly less certain than could or may.
Example: "The restaurant may be closed now." (It's a possibility, but I haven't checked).

Use can't when you are nearly sure that something is impossible or not true.

Meaning: "I am sure it isn't..."
Crucial Rule (WATCH OUT!): The opposite of must for speculation is can't, NOT mustn't.
Example: "The customer can't be sleeping because she is still eating her meal." (It is impossible to eat while sleeping).

For a State or Fact: Modal + Infinitive (be/have/do)
- Example: "This must be real bread."
For an Action Happening Now: Modal + be + -ing
- Example: "She might be working in the garden."

It’s possible the restaurant is closed now.

The restaurant may be closed now.
I’m sure this isn’t the same recipe we used last time.

This can’t be the same recipe we used last time.
I’m sure the chef doesn’t want the dish to be bland.

The chef can’t want the dish to be bland.
It’s possible avocados are ripe at this time of year.

Avocados could / might be ripe at this time of year.
I’m sure the chef is trying hard to prepare the food quickly.

The chef must be trying hard to prepare the food quickly.