Speak About:

Present

Past

Past to Present

Future

Abilities - Responsibilities

Asking Questions

Choosing the Right Phrase

Combining Verbs

Explaining Ideas

Describing Your World

Complex Ideas

Relating Ideas, People, Objects

Speaking about Objects

Wondering about Situations

What Is Probably True

Modal Verbs of Probability - Present

Modal verbs of probability express an opinion based on what a speaker knows about a situation at the moment of speaking. The following forms are used to speak about present situations.

Example:

Susan might be able to give the presentation on the articles of association.

The accountant must be sure where to put a double entry in our books so everything can balance

We can't be sure that this bank will always be at your service.

Present Forms

'Must' plus the verb expresses the idea that you are almost 100% sure of your opinion about a given situation.

Subject + must + base form of verb + objects

Example:

Net profit must be achieved before assets are depleted.

The accountant must be sure where to put a double entry in our books so everything can balance

Use 'might' or 'could' to express an opinion that you think has a good possibility of being true.

Subject + might / could + base form of verb + objects

Example:

That is a large amount of money for such a small bank to lend, so it might be a good idea to demand a confirmed letter of credit, in case the first bank cannot pay.

Susan might be able to give the presentation on the articles of association.

'Can't' plus the verb expresses the idea that you are almost 100% sure that something is not true.

Subject + can't + base form of verb + objects

Example:

Jonathan can't be considering that stock deal.

That bank deposit can't be from my company.