Modal Verbs for Speculation

Present/Future

• Must – almost certainly sure
• May/Might/Could – something is possible
• Can’t/Couldn’t – something is impossible

Past

• Must have + past participle – almost certain it happened
• May/Might/Could have + past participle – possible it happened
• Can’t/Couldn’t have + past participle – almost certain it didn’t happen

Prepositional Phrases

• On the verge of – at a point where something is going to happen or occur soon
• By means of – to achieve something using a specific method or tool
• With a view to – aim or purpose of doing something

Writing a proposal

Include:

• Introduction
• Current situation
• Recommendations
• Possible outcomes