MODALS OF DEDUCTION

Los verbos modales must, can´t, might/may/could se utilizan para expresar certeza, probabilidad o imposibilidad
We use modal verbs to say how sure we are about something.
1 must
We use must when we feel sure that something is true because there’s very strong evidence.
Usamos must cuando estamos seguros de que algo es cierto porque hay pruebas muy sólidas.
ü  He must live near here because he comes to work on foot. We don’t know where he lives but we’re sure it’s not far away.
ü  Come inside and get warm – you must be freezing out there.
ü  You’re a zookeeper? That must be very interesting.

2 might,may,could
We use might, may or could to say that we think something is possible but we’re not sure.

Utilizamos might, may o could  para decir que creemos que algo es posible pero no estamos seguros.

ü  Did you hear that? I think there might be a burglar downstairs. She’s not sure there’s a burglar but she thinks it’s possible.

ü  We’ll try to get there early but we may arrive late if there’s a lot of traffic.

ü  Don’t put it up there. It could fall off and hit someone.

3 can’t
We use can’t when we feel sure something is not true.

Usamos can’t cuando estamos seguros de que algo no es verdad.

ü  It can’t be a burglar. All the doors and windows are locked. He doesn’t know it’s not a burglar but he feels sure it’s not.

ü  It can’t be far away now. We’ve been driving for hours. Where’s the map?

ü  Really? He has to work on Christmas Day? He can’t feel very happy about that.