Topic 9: Modals of deduction: must, can´t, might/may/could

Modals – deduction (present)

1 must

Utilizar must cuando nos sentimos seguros de que algo es cierto porque hay pruebas muy sólidas.

·         He must live near here because he comes to work on foot. We don’t know where he lives but we’re sure it’s not far away.

·         Come inside and get warm – you must be freezing out there.

·         You’re a zookeeper? That must be very interesting.

2 might, may, could

Utilizamos might, may o could decir que pensamos que algo es posible, pero no estamos seguros.

·         Did you hear that? I think there might be a burglar downstairs. She’s not sure there’s a burglar but she thinks it’s possible.

·         We’ll try to get there early but we may arrive late if there’s a lot of traffic.

·         Don’t put it up there. It could fall off and hit someone.

Might, may y could  también son seguidos por un infinitivo sin 'to'.

3 can’t

Usamos can’t cuando sentimos que algo no es verdad.

 It can’t be a burglar. All the doors and windows are locked. He doesn’t know it’s not a burglar but he feels sure it’s not.

·         It can’t be far away now. We’ve been driving for hours. Where’s the map?

·         Really? He has to work on Christmas Day? He can’t feel very happy about that.