Modals of probability

Modals of probability

by Patricia Saavedra

Modals of probability

must have = 95% sure something was possible

​

might have = maybe

​

could have = maybe

​

may have = maybe

can’t have = 95% sure

something was NOT possible

Remember

​Certainly 100% It happened

must have = 95% sure something was possible

​

​may have = maybe

might have = maybe

​could have = maybe

​​

can’t have = 95% sure (Probably not)

something was NOT possible

​

​Certainly not 100% It didn't happen.

Remember

We use "been" with:

​

​NOUNS

​It must have been a spider.

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​VERBS +ING

​My baby might have been sleeping

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​ADJECTIVES

​She could have been bored

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​PREPOSITIONS

​It can't have been in the kitchen.

Remember

Examples of modals of probability without "been"

​

​He must have studied in the afternoon.

​

​They can't have slept well last night.

​

​She might have bought a new motorcycle.

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​NOTE:

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​Each MODAL + HAVE is followed by a past participle verb.

Multiple Choice

I saw my friend run quickly to work. He _________ late.

• must have been

• can have

• might have been

• might  not have

Multiple Choice

All the cookies are gone! Susan _____________eaten them.

• must have been

• can have

• might have

• might  not have

Multiple Choice

I think Carlos drove to work today. No, he ___________ driven.

• must have

• can't have

• might have

• might  not have

Multiple Choice

The police shot a man in the bank. He _________ been a robber.

• must have

• can't have

• might have

• might  not have

Multiple Choice

Where did Susan and Patty go on vacation? They ___________ flown to Chile.

• must have

• could have

• might have

• could not have

Multiple Choice

Who broke the coffee cup last night? Your son ________ dropped it.

• must have

• could have

• might have

• may have