Modals of likelihood

We should be there by ten.

• We're talking about the future.

• We're talking about the present.

• We're talking about the past.

We should be there by ten.

• There is a small possibility we will arrive by ten.

• I'm sure we will arrive by ten.

• It's not absolutely certain but there is a strong possibility that we will arrive by ten.

Don't worry, she'll be there.

• I'm very sure.

• I'm not sure.

This horse might win. I am a cautious person, so...

• I'm going to put my life savings on it.

• I'll put a small bet on it.

• No way I'm risking even a dollar on it.

He could be in the library.

• He goes in there sometimes.

• I doubt he's read a book in his whole life.

• He's always in there.

They must be having lunch.

• This is the only possibility I can think of.

• Or they might be shopping.

She can't be still at lunch.

• She went three hours ago.

• She's only just gone.

• She's in the restaurant.

(Watching a film)

This must be London.

• There's Big Ben.

• The cars are driving on the left.

• It looks cold.

The thieves must have worn gloves.

• There are fingerprints everywhere.

• There are no fingerprints.

(It's winter time in Russia). She can't have gone out.

• Her coat is still here.

• Her coat is gone.

• She sometmes goes out for a walk.