Functions of Modal Verbs and Synonymous Expressions Use
Present/Future
Possibility 95% sure: strong degree of certainty/ logical conclusion:
in the
Sam must pass this exam. (It is almost certain; I think)
90% certain: He can win the race.
present
50% certain: weaker degree of certainty.
They could be still in school. (perhaps, it's possible they are
still in school)
50% certain:
Tom may be studying in his room (perhaps; it's possible
he's studying)
30-40% sure: weaker degree of certainty.
He might (It's not past tense) want some food. (perhaps,
he wants some food)
It does not seem possible; I don't think.
He can't pass the exam.
.
Fill in: may, might, could, must, can, or can't.
I wonder where Paul is. He 1.
be at work because he never
works on Sunday. He 2.
be at Sally's, but I don't doubt it
because they haven't been speaking lately. I wonder if he 3.
be at his cottage in the country. No, he 4.
be because he told
me they've rented it to someone else for the summer. He 5.
have gone bowling, but I'm almost sure he told me he'd got tired of it. I