C. Grammar Expansion: Modals verbs of certainty, probability, possibility

We use different modal verbs to state that an event or situation is certain, probable or possible.

We often use “will” / “won’t” with an adverb to show how certain we are that something will or will not happen:

- Prices for petrol will certainly rise next quarter.

- They probably / definitely / certainly won’t cut the prices again.

We use “should”, “ought to”, “be likely to” when we think something will probably happen:

- Our sales are likely to improve next month.

When we expect that something will not happen, we use “shouldn’t”, “ought not to”, “be unlikely to”:

- That shouldn’t be a problem for me.

We use “may”, “could”, “may not”, “might”, “might not” when there is only a possibility that something will or will not happen.

- Our revenues may increase in the short term.

We use “must” or “can’t” to make a logical deduction:

- He must be tired after such a long trip.

- The company can’t be in financial difficulty – its profits are increasing.

D. Underline the correct modal verb in each sentence:

1. The competition is increasing. We might / should have to lower our prices.

2. There are several flights each day to Moscow. There mustn’t / should not be a problem getting tickets.

3. This state company might not / should not go bankrupt if the government supports it financially.

4. Our company must / should have much higher sales next month.

5. Their new product has had many technical problems. They must / can’t be very disappointed.

6. We may not / ought not to launch the product in August because many sales representatives are on holiday.

7. The weather conditions are very good. We should / must arrive on time for our meeting.

8. That can’t / mustn’t be Tom. He is in Manchester at the present moment.

9. Next Thursday is possible. I must / might be free in the evening.

10. Some companies are likely / are sure to lower prices in order to increase their market share.

Читайте також:

<== попередня сторінка	\|	наступна сторінка ==>
B. Translate into Russian paying attention to the modals verbs. Identify the meanings of these modal verbs.	\|	Past Modals

Не знайшли потрібну інформацію? Скористайтесь пошуком google:

Генерація сторінки за: 0.005 сек.