GRAMMAR Focus:

Modals – deduction (present)

We use modal verbs to say how sure we are about something.

1 must

We use must when we feel sure that something is true because there’s very strong evidence.

• He must live near here because he comes to work on foot. We don’t know where he lives but we’re sure it’s not far away.
• Come inside and get warm – you must be freezing out there.
• You’re a zookeeper? That must be very interesting.

2 might, may, could

We use might, may or could to say that we think something is possible but we’re not sure.

• Did you hear that? I think there might be a burglar downstairs. She’s not sure there’s a burglar but she thinks it’s possible.
• We’ll try to get there early but we may arrive late if there’s a lot of traffic.
• Don’t put it up there. It could fall off and hit someone.

3 can’t

We use can’t when we feel sure something is not true.

• It can’t be a burglar. All the doors and windows are locked. He doesn’t know it’s not a burglar but he feels sure it’s not.
• It can’t be far away now. We’ve been driving for hours. Where’s the map?
• Really? He has to work on Christmas Day? He can’t feel very happy about that.

Complete the sentences. Click on the correct word.

Example

He ........... be at the meeting, but I'm not sure. a) must b) may c) can't Answer b

	1	Jack .......... be at home. His jacket is still here.			2	I .......... still have your book, but I'm not certain.
		a) might b) can't c) could				a) might b) must c) can't
	3	This ....... be the right answer. The others are definitely wrong.			4	That ............. be Maria. I'm sure she's got blond hair, not dark.
		a) can't b) must c) could				a) may b) might c) can't
	5	I'm not sure but the painting .......... be an original.			6	She's been working hard so she ........... be tired.
		a) could b) must c) can't				a) may b) can't c) must