Modals of possibility and

deduction
Must + base form
Cant + base form
Could / may / might + base form
May not / might not + base form

Who is he?
Do you know how did he use to solve his
cases?

What are modal verbs?

We use modal verbs to show if we believe something
is certain or possible (or not). We also use modals to
do things like talking about ability, asking permission
making requests and offers, and so on.
can

could

may might
shall should
will

would

We can make deductions based on

known facts in the present.
Must be = 99% (Im really sure)
Cant be = 99% (Im really sure that it is impossible)
Could / may / might be = 50% (I think its possible,
but I am not sure)

Modal verb + base form

What deductions can you make?

Must + base form = He must be a chef.

Cant + base form = He cant be a nurse.
Could / may / might + base form = He could be
famous.

What deductions can you make?

What deductions can you make?

May/Might not vs Could not

He was obviously joking. He could not be
serious.
We knew it could not be true.
Jack could not have the key.

He may not be serious.

We know it might not be true.
Jack might not have the key when we arrive.

We usually use
COULD NOT to
express that
something was
impossible in the
past.

We usually use
MAY/MIGHT NOT to
express the possibility
that something is not
true or possible the
present or future.