Modals of Speculation

Abeer Alkattan

​Often, we use modals of speculation to talk about how certain a possibility is.

Modals must/will or mustn’t/will not express a high degree of certainty.

Use you + modal of speculation to give advice. For example:
You will find the answer in the reading.
You must know Fahad, he is an expert on coins from all over the Gulf region.

We can use modals, may/might/could and may not/might not/couldn’t to express a lesser degree of cetainty. May/may not typically express less certainty than might/might not.

• You may be able to find a 13th Century Islamic coin at the antique store.

• Coins might not exist much longer if online transtations continue to grow in popularity.

• You could try calling the Museum of Archeology for information about Emirati coins.

Multiple Choice

You’ve been travelling all day. You _______________ be very tired.

• can't

• must

• must have been

• can

Multiple Choice

Where’s Jane? I’m not sure. She ________ be talking to someone.

• might

• mustn't

• can't

• A and B are correct

Multiple Choice

Toto knew everything about our plans. __________________________.

• He must listen to our conversation

• He might hear our conversation

• He must have listened to our conversation

• He might have been listened to our conversation

Multiple Choice

My brother _________________ your money because he was with me all day.

• couldn't have stolen

• couldn't steal

• must have stolen

• must steal

Multiple Choice

How can you say such a thing? You ________ be serious.

• can

• can't

• must

• might

Multiple Choice

I’m not sure that I can lend you any money. I __________ have enough.

• might

• may

• must

• may not

Multiple Choice

It _______ her graduation's party because he had it last month.

• couldn't have been

• could be

• must have been

• can't be

Multiple Choice

I wouldn't swim in this river if I were you. It ______ dangerous

• might be

• may be

• can be

Multiple Choice

He ______ be very proud of you right now. You won the price him.

• must

• can't

• might

Multiple Choice

3. What’s the best way to complete the sentence?

‘Is that Mr Tanaka?’

‘No, that ____ be him. Mr Tanaka wears glasses.’

• must

• can’t

• mustn’t

Multiple Choice

I’m sure that’s Ellen’s sister. They look so alike.

That __________ Ellen’s sister. They look so alike.

• Must be

• Might be

• May be