Ingles

EXPRESSIING PROBABILITY OR POSSIBILITY

When we express probability we mean different modal verbs that can be used with this meaning. Let's see an example to help us understand what we refer.

·Maria must be in the office.


What do we mean?

We can use different manners to express probability, such as modal must, could, may, might or can.

Remember that these manners are alsoused with other meanings. In this discussion we focus on applications related to probability.

WHAT?

MUST / CAN: To indicate that something is very likely use the modal 'must'. If we use thismodal indicate that we are very confident that something is true.

Modal verb + subject + main verb phrase + Other

· Maria must be in the office.
· She must be in her office.


To indicatethat something is impossible to use the modal 'can' in its negative form.

· She can not be far.
· She can not be too far.


May / might / could: To indicate that something is moderately likelyuse the modal 'could', 'may' or 'might.''

Maria could be in the office.
She Could be in her office.

We can use 'may' and 'might' in both affirmative and negative to express probability.· Maria could be away from the office.
· She might be in her office.


* Remember that the modal 'could' in negative never used to express probability.



EXPRESSING NECESSITY


Necessitycan be expressed using modals.

Must and have to are used to show necessity and obligation. You can also use have got to but it should only be used in casual situations.


Must and have to showthat something is necessary, or required. They also show obligation. Notice how must is stronger than have to. Must could also be used to show that something is also urgent.

Have to can also beused to show that no other options are available.

· We must get the medicine to the sick children.
· We must hurry to catch our flight to Italy.
· They have to take the bus to work.
· I have to...