What modal verbs can be used to speculate about the future?

must, could, may (may) or can (can is not generally used), among which, must has the strongest tone and is translated as "must, must be, must be"; May (might) and could have the weakest tone, which is translated as "maybe" and "maybe".

The computer does n't work. There must be something wrong with it. This computer can't be turned on. There must be something wrong.

It should be fine tomorrow. It is likely to be fine tomorrow.

if you look at the moon, you may/may have many questions to ask. If you look at the moon, there may be many questions to ask.

This project could create 5, new jobs. This new project may bring 5, people new jobs.

■ Negative speculation

When it means possible but not certain, we often use should not, or may not, might not or could not, which is translated as "maybe not"; When the negative tone is strong, can't or couldn't is used, which is translated as "impossible" For example,

Don't worry, your father may not have beenhurt serious. Don't worry, your father may not be badly hurt.

He might not be in England. He may not be in England.

there should be any difference about getting you a visa. I'm afraid there won't be any difficulty in getting you a visa.

after what had happened he could not continue to work there. In view of what happened, it is impossible for him to continue working there.

He can't be more than thirty. He can't be over thirty.

■ speculation in interrogative sentences

can or could is generally used. Such as:

What can he mean? What could he possibly mean?

What could have become of him now? What could he be like now?

■ Verb form followed

The speculation about the present or future is generally followed by the verb prototype; If it means that speaking is happening, use the modal verb +be+ present participle; If you want to say that you are speculating about the past, use "modal verb+have+past participle".

You must know Diana Surly. You must know Diana.

You must be joking. you must be joking.

someone must have been smoking here. Someone must have been smoking here.

He must have arrived already. He must have arrived.