LoginTalking about Assumptions
What Do We Mean by Assumption?
Assumptions are ideas or beliefs for which we have no proof or reason. An assumption might be true or not. Specific structures are used in English to convey assumptions.
Modals and Assumptions
The following is a list of modals and semi-modals that are commonly used when expressing assumptions:
Using 'Will'
The modal verb 'will' is used to show that a statement is an assumption. Normally, 'will' has a reference to the present or future, but sometimes it is followed by a perfect infinitive structure which makes it possible for it to refer to the past. 'Will' is commonly used when the speaker feels confident or certain about their assumption.
She will have finished her homework by now.
This sentence expresses an assumption about something that was expected to have finished in the past.
He will know what to do in this situation.
Using 'Should'
Although the modal verb 'should' is the past tense of the modal verb 'shall,' when we are talking about assumptions, it refers to the present or future; unless there is a perfect infinitive structure after it. Take a look at the following examples:
They should know the results soon.
We should have been graduated by now.
When followed by 'have' + past participle, it refers to an assumption about the past that is not fulfilled.
Using 'Ought'
The modal verb 'ought' is usually used as an alternative for 'should,' but it is considered less common and highly formal.
Like the other modals discussed so far, 'ought' refers to the present or future tense unless we use have + past participle after it.
They ought to have known the rules.
It ought to be warm enough to go without a jacket.
Negation
As you know, all these verbs are modal verbs, which means they are negated by adding 'not' after them. In this case, we can indicate that we do not think something is true.
It shouldn't take more than 10 minutes.
She will not be at home at this time of the day.
Review
Two modal verbs and a semi-modal are commonly used to talk about assumptions. The table below summarizes their use in different tenses.
Present | Past | Future | |
|---|---|---|---|
Will | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Should | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Ought to | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Quiz:
Which sentence expresses a logical assumption about the present?
They would be at the beach.
They should be at the office.
They must have left already.
They ought to be sleeping.
Which of the following uses a modal to assume something about the past?
She will know the answer.
They ought to have responded yesterday.
We should go now.
He will be hungry.
Sort the words to form a correct sentence.
Match each sentence with the correct category.
Fill the blanks with appropriate verbs.
The guests
to be here by now—it's getting late.
You
be able to finish the project by Friday.
She
not be awake this early on a weekend.
They should
received the package yesterday.
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