Modal verbs talk about the possibility of a condition in the present. They can also be called modals of possibility.
|
must might could may |
+ |
infinitive |
|
can’t might not could not may not |
+ |
infinitive |
Bob is late for class. The teacher asks the class why Bob is late. A student, Jill, guesses:
| Modals | Example sentences | Probability |
|
Must |
He must be on the train. |
very probable |
|
Might |
He might be at the store. |
a possibility |
|
Could |
He could be at the store. |
a possibility |
|
May |
He may be at the store. |
very probable |
|
Can’t |
He can’t be at home. |
not probable |
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