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Degrees of Certainty in Modals :check: - Coggle Diagram
Degrees of Certainty in Modals
:check:
Strong certainty
will
certainty about the present or future
Ask Sam, he will know the answer.
would
certainty based on conditions
It would cost a lot to repair.
must
very sure
You must be our new neighbor.
logical conclusion
It’s 2025, so you must be 23 years old.
Medium certainty
ought to (=should)
a high chance of happening
He ought to be home by now.
should
a high chance of happening
I’ll post the letter, and it should arrive on Wednesday.
Lower certainty
may
possibility
You may like this.
could
possibility, but uncertain
That flooded river could be dangerous.
might
a low chance of happening
Don’t do that, you might hurt yourself.