48441 modals of deduction

Modals of deduction
Modal
Must

Uses
something is true; based on
strong evidence

Could,
May,
Might

something is possible, but
we are not sure

example
You are all wet. It must the raining
outside.
•
•
•

Can’t

something is not true, for
sure

Don’t put the book on the
window. It could fall.
We will try to get there on
time, but we may arrive late

if there is a lot of traffic.
Did you hear that? I think
there might be someone at
the door.

followed by
infinitive,
without “to”

He works on Christmas. He can’t
be happy about that

1. Complete the following sentences with CAN'T, MUST, MIGHT
a) I can hear some music coming from that window. He______________ be at home.
b) Mark told me Sarah was working late today, so she _______________ be home right

now.
c) Harry doesn't answer the phone. He_______________ be in the movies.
d) Ring! Ring! That_______________ be mom; she said she'd call me back in a minute.
e) I_______________ have left my keys in the car...or maybe at John's.
f) Sue is late for class. She _______________have missed the bus.
g) That DVD_______________ cost more that 15€; it's an old movie!
h) Christina has already been three times to that new pizza restaurant. It_______ be really
i)
j)
k)
l)
m)
n)
o)

p)
q)
r)
s)

good.
Robert always gets straight A's. His parents_______________ be really proud of him.
Her new boyfriend is absolutely gorgeous. He_______________ be a model.
A: What's that deafening noise out there?
B: My downstairs neighbors_________ be having another barbecue. It's the fifth one
this month!
A: Have you called Sam?
B: yeah, but he_______________ have already left, because nobody answered the
phone.
A. How much further do we have to go?
B: Not much. Her house_______________ be very far from here.
Lisa failed her driving test, so she_______________ be in a good mood right now.
George wasn't promoted as he had expected, so he_______________ be totally
disappointed with himself.
He and his sister_______________ come with us if their parents give them permission.