MODAL VERBS

MODAL VERBS

1. MUST

   • We use must when we are sure that something is true
     • Past
       • modal + have + pp
         • She must have been tired afterwards
     • Present
       • modal + infinitive
         • She must be tired

2. We use may and might when we aren’t certain, when we think something is possible.

   • Past
     • modal + have + pp
       • He may/might not have been listening.
   • Present
     • modal + infinitive
       • He might listen music

3. MAY-MIGHT

4. CAN'T - COULDN'T

   • We use can’t/couldn’t when we think something is impossible, when we are sure something isn’t true
     • Present
       • modal + infinitive
         • It’s raining now, so Mary can’t be sunbathing
   • Past
     • modal + have + pp
       • he could have been wrong