Grammar‎ > ‎Modals and Modal Verbs‎ > ‎

Modals for Degrees of Certainty in the Present

Modals can be used to show a degree of certainty.

May, might, could, and must are used to show a degree of certainty in the present. 

May not, must not, might not, can't be, and couldn't be are the corresponding negative forms.


Degrees of certainty in the present

To show degrees of certainty in the present we use modal + simple present.

Remember that the verb after a modal is in simple form so the structure is: modal + verb in simple form.

If you are very confident then use the simple present.

  • The party is great.

If you are not completely certain then use must + simple present.

  • The party must be great.

If you are around 50% certain use may + simple present.

  • The party may be great.

If you are not very sure at all use might or could + simple present. These show that you doubt it.

  • The party might be great.
  • The party could be great.

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