Must is used in the meaning of supposition of high probability. The infinitive after the modal verb is used in the following forms:
She must be about twenty now. She went to school with my sister.
, . .
Its 5 oclock now. He must be working in the garden.
5 . (), .
Something must have happened. He has never been late before.
, - . .
The visitor is still here. He must have been here for an hour.
. , , .
Must is not used in the meaning of supposition of high probability with reference to the future, be likely or probably is used instead.
He is likely to arrive tomorrow.
Negative forms:
- negative words
Nobody must have noticed him leave.
, , , .
- negative prefixes
He must have left the door unloked.
, , .
- fail
He must have failed to come on time.
, , .
- Can (could) is used in the meaning of supposition with implied surprise, disbelief, great doubt. The infinitive after the modal verb is used in different forms:
It cant (couldnt) be true.
, .
Can (could) it be true?
?
He cant (couldnt) be working at such a late hour.
, .
She cant (couldnt) have said such a thing.
, .
Can (Could) you have been waiting for so long?
?
Who could have thought that he wouldnt come?
- , ?
Negative forms:
- negative prefixes
She cant have misunderstood me.
, .
- fail
She cant have failed to get in touch with them.
, c .
Can in the meaning of supposition very seldom occurs in positive sentences. Could makes the statement less categorical, milder.
- May (might) is used in the meaning of uncertain supposition and reproach.Different forms of the infinitive can be used after the modal verb.
Uncertain supposition:
He may (might) be at home for all I know.
, , .
You may(might) like the place, who knows?
(), , ?
I have to go. My friend may (might) be holding a taxi.
. , . .
He may have reached the place already.
, ,
.
Reproach
You might be more polite to her.
.
You might have let me know that the meeting was put off. Why didnt you?
, . ?
|
|
|
Negative form:
You may not like this flat.
, .
