2019-04-03 Grammar: predictions, pres. inferences

Greg Malivuk
[email protected]
http://www.pastebin.com/u/gmalivuk - Notes from all classes
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Elevator lateral thinking puzzle.
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Predictions and Inferences:
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predictions = guesses or conclusions about future events and situations
inferences = guesses or conclusions about present or past events and situations
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will = I’m (almost) certain of this.
should / will probably = This is the most likely situation. It’s the best guess.
may / might / could = This is a possible situation. It’s one of the guesses I can make.
may not / might not = This (negative statement) is a possible situation.
shouldn’t / probably won’t = This is an unlikely situation. It’s not a good guess.
won’t = I’m (almost) certain this won’t happen.
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Note: “should” can be used only for predictions (outside of anyone’s control); “will”, “may”, “might”, “could” can be used for real or possible plans, as well
p. 260 exercise 3 - With your partner, write and share one thing for each number.
1 I will travel to Brazil this summer.
2 I will likely go back to Brazil in June.
3 I could meet my grandmother.
4 I may not come back to Boston.
5 I shouldn’t have any trouble finding a hotel. I probably won’t wake up late.
6 I won’t go to Brazil next month.
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We can use most of the same modals to make guesses and conclusions about the present, with two changes:
- use “must” and “must not” instead of “will” and “will not”
- “couldn’t” and “can’t” mean you think something is impossible, which is stronger than thinking it isn’t true
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He must not be at home. = I’m pretty sure he’s not at home. I’d be surprised to be wrong about this.
He can’t be at home. = I think it’s impossible for him to be at home. I won’t believe you if you say I’m wrong.
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p. 262 - Complete the paragraphs with modals. More than one answer is possible.
1 a should
  b could/may/might
  c could/may/might
2 a shouldn’t
  b shouldn’t
  c can’t/couldn’t
  d must
3 a might not / may not
  b might/could/may
  c should/must
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Homework: finish exercise 5 (paragraphs 4, 5, 6, 7)