Modals of Deduction (Present)

• We use modal verbs to make guesses about situations happening right now based on the evidence we see in the office.
• Modal verb
• Meaning
• Example
• must
• almost 100% sure it is true
• The cash flow must be low.
• might / could
• about 50% sure (possible)
• The payment record might be in Seattle.
• can't
• almost 100% sure it is NOT true
• This bank statement can't be correct.
• Remember
• Use 'must' when you have clear proof.
• Use 'might' or 'could' when you are guessing possibilities.
• Use 'can't' when something is impossible.
• Always follow the modal verb with the base form of the main verb.
• Examples
• Mark is not at his desk in Chicago, so he must be in the meeting.
• This invoice could be wrong.
• The client can't be ignoring our emails.
• Common mistakes
• The transaction must to be checked.
• The transaction must be checked.
• This account can't be belong to them.
• This account can't belong to them.

Complete the sentences

• Look at these numbers; the bank statement (certainty negative) ____ be right.
• Brian has been working all night in Boston, so he (certainty positive) ____ be exhausted.
• Laura's phone is switched off in New York, so she (possibility) ____ be on a flight.
• This missing money (possibility) ____ be a simple system error.
• Kevin is our best accountant in Dallas, so he (certainty positive) ____ know the answer.
• That company closed last year in Miami, so they (certainty negative) ____ pay us now.

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