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Modal Verbs of Deduction

The document discusses modal verbs of deduction including must, may, might, could, and can't. It provides examples of their use in sentences through a series of exercises. The exercises focus on choosing the correct modal verb that fits in blanks in sample sentences. Some sentences have multiple possible correct options. The modal verbs are used to deduce possibilities and likelihoods based on context rather than known facts.

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Natán Marcillo
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65 views3 pages

Modal Verbs of Deduction

The document discusses modal verbs of deduction including must, may, might, could, and can't. It provides examples of their use in sentences through a series of exercises. The exercises focus on choosing the correct modal verb that fits in blanks in sample sentences. Some sentences have multiple possible correct options. The modal verbs are used to deduce possibilities and likelihoods based on context rather than known facts.

Uploaded by

Natán Marcillo
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Modal verbs of deduction – must, may, might, could, can’t

Exercise 1

Choose all the correct modal verbs of deduction for each gap below. In some sentences
there are TWO possible correct answers.

1. Paul is behaving in a very unusual way. I think he ______ again.

a.can't drink

b.can be drinking

c.might be drinking

2. I think there ______ a mistake in your tax return. You should check it. Choose TWO
correct options

a.can't be

b.might be

c.may be

3. If Suzan said that, it ______ true. She never lies.

a.might be

b.must be

c.can be

4. Sorry, but I'm not Connor. You ______ me for someone else.

a.might be confusing

b.must confuse

c.must be confusing

5. I'm not sure I trust Peter. He ______ the person we think he is.

a.might not be

b.can't be

c.must not be

6. You have walked for ten hours. You ______ exhausted.

a.can be

b.can't be

c.must be

7. He ______ his son, they look completely different.

a.might be
b.can't be

c.must not be

8. There's a bit of traffic, so I ______ arrive in time. Choose TWO correct options

a.might not

b.must not

c.may not

9. He ______ be very proud of you right now. You disappointed him.

a.must not

b.can't

c.might

10. I wouldn't swim in this river if I were you. It ______ dangerous. Choose TWO correct
options

a.might be

b.may be

c.can be

Modal verbs of deduction – must, may, might, could, can’t


Exercise 2
Choose the correct modal verbs of deduction to complete the sentences below.
1. The phone is ringing. It must be Charlotte; she said she would call this morning.

2. She can't be in love with him. She told me she hates him.

3. He might be at the gym right now. Sometimes he goes there at this time.

4. This is not possible. You can't be serious!

5. If he drives a jaguar, he must be quite rich.

6. You should pick up the phone. It might be an important call.

7. He must know the answer, he's the best in the class.

8. You might be right, but it's better if we check.

9. He can't be in class. I saw him at the library a minute ago.

10. A: Who's at the door? B: I don't know; it may be John.


Exercise 3
Modal verbs of deduction – must, may, might, could, can’t
Complete the dialogues with must, might, might not or can’t.

A: Someone is knocking at the door.


B: It must be the pizza delivery man. I ordered a pizza.
A: I know you ordered a pizza. But it can’t be him, because you ordered the pizza five minutes
ago.
B: Yes, you are right. Then it might be your sister.
A: No, it can’t be my sister, she's out of town.
B: Well, then just open the door; it might be important.

A: Why don't you tell me what the matter is with you?


B: Well, I should tell you something and I think you might not like it.
A: Come on! Tell me what it is. It can’t be that bad.
B: I don't know. I'm afraid you might react badly.
A: Then I'm sure it must be serious. Please, tell me.
B: I saw Lindsey holding hands with another man.
A: What?
B: Please, I know you must be upset right now, but...
A: Dude, Lindsey and I broke up more than a year ago. Didn't you know?

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