1. Probability: present and future

2. WILL We use will to make predictions about the future
I don’t think the President will be re-elected.
We use the future continuous and future perfect to make assumptions about the present
It’s Carolyn will be driving to work.
I think Emily will have left the office by now.

3. MUST We use must to conclude that something is certain.
Dad isn’t at home. He must be at work.

4. CAN’T We use can’t to express impossibility.
He can’t be at work. His car is outside.

5. MAY, MIGHT AND COULD
We use may,might and could to talk about the possibility of something happening.
‘Where’s Max?’ ‘He could be doing his homework.’
It may rain later, so we might not play tennis.

6. SHOULD
We use should to say that something will probably happen, in our opinion.
Spain should beat England.

7. I’m certain that the Government will be defeated. (bound)
Rewrite the sentences using the words in brackets. Keep the meaning the same.
I’m certain that the Government will be defeated. (bound)
I rang Liam at home but there was no answer. There’s no way that he’s at home. (can’t)
Do you think that Josh will arrive soon? (likely)
I really don’t expect Sam will fail his driving test. (shouldn’t)

8. It’s bound that the Government will be defeated.
Liam can’t be at home. He’s not answering his phone.
Do you think it’s likely that Josh will arrive soon.
Sam shouldn’t fail his driving exam.