Modals of deduction
Modals of deduction
MIGHT
when you think something is possibly true
Tony's phone is switched off.
He might be on the plane now, or just boarding.
Laura might not like that skirt.
It's not really her style.
CAN'T
when you are sure something is impossible / not true
Nigel can't earn much money in his job.
He's still living with his parents.
That woman can't be Jack's wife.
Jack's wife has dark hair.
MUST
when you are sure something is true
The neighbours must be out.
There aren't any lights on in the house.
Your sister must have a lot of money if she drives a Porsche.
We often use might, can't, or must to say how sure or certain we are about something (based on the information we have).
In this context, the opposite os must is can't. Compare:
The neighbours must be out.
There aren't any lights on in the house.
The neighbours can't be out.
All the lights are on in the house.
NOT
The neighbours musn't be out.
We can use may instead of might and we can use could in positive sentences.
Jack may be at the party - I'm not sure.
Jack might be at the party - I'm not sure.
Jack could be at the party - I'm not sure.
We don't use can instead of might / may.
NOT
He can be on the plane now.
We often use be + gerund after might / must / can't.
They must be having a party - the music's very loud.
Exercise a
He might be American. He's wearing a baseball cap.
He can't be a university student. He's wearing school uniform.
He must be cold. It's freezing and he isn't wearing a jumper.
He might ge going to the gym. He's carrying a sports bag.
He could be lost. He's looking at a map.
He must be married. He's wearing a wedding ring.
He must be a tourist. He's carrying a camera and a guide book.
He can't be enjoying the party. He isn't talking to anybody.
He may not have a job. He's looking at job adverts in the newspapper.
He can't be a businessman. He isn't wearing a suit.
Exercise b
What does Pete's new girlfriend do?
I'm not sure, but she might be a doctor. I think she works at the hospital.
Do you know anyone who drives a Ferrari?
Yes, my nephew. I don't know his salary, but he must earn a fortune!
Why don't you buy this dress for your mum?
I'm not sure. She might not like it. It's a bit short for her.
My sister works as an interpreter for the EU.
She must speak a lot of langhages to work there.
Did you know that Andy's parents have split up?
Poor Andy. He can't be very happy about that.
Are your neighbours away? All the curtains are closed.
I'm not shure. I suppose they might be on holiday.
Where's your colleague today?
She must be ill. She called to say that she was going to the doctor's.
I'm looking forward seeing Jane! I haven't seen her for years.
You might not recognize her - she's lost a lot of weight.
My daughter has failed all her exams again.
She can't be working very hard.
Why is Tina so happy?
I'm not sure, but she might have a new partner.
Where does your boss live?
I don't know, but he can't live near the office because he commutes every day by train.