Modals Of Probability Flashcards
What is the present probability expressing?
-how likely it is that something is happening now
Which modals express most certain?
-can’t, couldn’t, have to, must(not)
Which modals show certainty?
-ought to, should (not)
Which modals show least certainty?
-could, may (not), might (not)
When do you use can’t and couldn’t?
- when you are almost certain something is not likely or not possible
- to express disbelief or surprise
When do you use have to and must (not)?
- when you are mostly certain
- when you think there is only one logical conclusion
Where is must much more common than have to?
-in formal speaking
When do you use should or ought to?
- when you have an expectation based on experience or evidence
- should is more common that ought to
When do you use could, may (not), and might?
-when you are unsure or when you don’t have much evidence
What are modals of past probability expressing?
-used to make inferences or guesses about the past
When do you use can’t have or couldn’t have?
-to show that you are absolutely certain something is impossible or unlikely
When do you use must have?
-when you fell certain about something or when you believe there is only one logical conclusion
When do you use could have, may (not) have, or might (not) have?
-when there is not much evidence or when you are guessing
What does the future probability express?
-the probability of something happens in the future
How do you show strong certainty for the future?
-will (not)
