Certain or uncertain Modals deductions and assumptions past

Certain or uncertain? Modals: deductions and assumptions (past, present, future). Spotlight 8 Module 7

Modal verbs show likely something is… Modal Verbs Can Could May Might Must Shall Should Ought to Will Would Simple Form be come

These modal verbs can be turned into negatives (e. g. cannot, can’t, must not) Modal verbs �Can �Could �May �Might �Must �Shall �Should �Ought to �Will �Would Negative forms?

Modal verbs and adverbs… We can combine modal verbs with adverbs to show more or less certainty. � “She might pass the exam or she might not pass. I don’t know. ” Here, the speaker isn’t sure at all. You could also use could or may instead of might. Look at how adverbs work with modal verbs: � “People will definitely work longer hours in the future. ” � “People definitely won’t work longer hours in the future. ” Both of these sentences show that the speaker is sure. � “You’ll probably enjoy this film. ” � “You probably won’t enjoy this film. ” The speaker thinks (s)he’s right but isn’t completely sure.

In pairs, predict what’s going to happen to each other this week. Choose things you’re certain of, and others you’re less certain of. Notice which modal verbs you use.

�She may/might/could have done it. (It’s possible that she did it. ) �She can’t have done it. (It isn’t possible that she did it. ) �She must have done it. (I’m certain that she did it) �You should/ought to have revised more. (It was wrong not to revise) �You needn’t have waited for me. (it wasn’t necessary)

Which modals express? • A positive deduction • A negative deduction • Possibility • Criticism • Negative obligation

Look at the pictures and make assumptions as in the example. Use must, might, can’t, should, will definitely/definitely won’t, will probably/probably won’t � He must be tired. � He might have gone to bed late last night. � He can’t be concentrated. � He should have organized his time effectively. � He will definitely go to bed early tonight. � He probably won’t watch TV tonight.

�He must … �He might … �He can’t … �He should … �He will definitely … �He probably won’t …

� She must … � She might … � She can’t … � She should … � She will definitely … � She probably won’t …

� He must … � He might … � He can’t … � He should … � He will definitely … � He probably won’t …

� He must … � He might … � He can’t … � He should … � He will definitely … � He probably won’t …

� They must … � They might … � They can’t … � They should … � They will definitely … � They probably won’t …

�He must … �He might … �He can’t … �He should … �He will definitely … �He probably won’t …