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.
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