Modal verbs for speculation: must, could, might/may, can't

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• havo
• Leerjaar 2

What's the Dutch translation of the word 'speculation'

1. speculaas
2. speculatie
3. verplichting
4. verbod

Lesson Goals 

Today you will learn: 

- What modal verbs of speculation are; 

- How to use must, could/might/may & can't. 

Pick the right answer
It ______ be cold outside. People are wearing scarfs and jackets.

1. can't
2. may
3. must
4. should

Must + infinitive 

We gebruiken must + infinitive (hele werkwoord) wanneer we heel sterk geloven dat iets waar is. 

Examples

- They must feel amazing after that refreshing swim. 

- Ruby must see a doctor. She's burning up! 

Think of one sentence using must + infinitive

How do you translate may, might & could?

1. mag, mag niet, moet
2. kan, mag, zou
3. kan, zou, zou kunnen
4. kan, zou kunnen, mag

might, may or could + infinitive 

We gebruiken might, may or could + infinitive wanner we denken dat iets waarschijnlijk waar zal zijn. 

Examples 

- It looks nice, but it might be very expensive. 

- She may enjoy a swim, since it's so very hot. 

Pick must, or might/may/could

She _____ like make up. She wears it every day.

1. might
2. must

Pick must or might/may/could

It ______ be cold in the mountains at night.

1. may
2. must

can't + infinitive 

We gebruiken can't + infinitive wanneer we geloven dat iets niet waar is. 

Examples

- This child can't be four years old. It's so small and can't even walk yet! 

-Paul can't speak ten languages. 

Go to page 74 in your book and do exercise 4.

What do you remember about the modal verbs for speculation?