G
modals: possibility, uncertainty,
certainty (present I future)
possibility and uncertainty
Usemay, might, could +bare infinitive- to describe things that will possibly happen.
The next earthquake may/might /could happen tomorrow
Usemay not andmight not + bare infinitive - to describe things that will possibly not happen in the future.
The next earthquake may not /might not happen for another fifty years. It's impossible to predict exactly
possibility
Usecan+ bare infinitive- to describe a possibility in general, but not with a future time reference.
During an earthquake, people can suffer injuries when parts of buildings fali into the street.
certainty
Usewill + bare infinitive- when we are certain something will happen in the future.
During a strong earthquake, some older buildings will collapse.
Usemust +bare infinitive - when we are certain something is true (usually with be),ar when we suppose what a situation
is like.
I've never been in an earthquake. It must be really frightening.
(=I'm certain of that.)
You've done a lot of work. You must feel really tired'
(=I'm sure you do.)
negative certainty
Usecan't +bare infinitive- when we are certain something is not true (usually withbe)ar impossible.
That can't be an earthquake! We don't have earthquakes here!
You can't know the answer already! That's impossible!