Modal Verbs: Certainty and Possibility

A Rewrite the sentences in italics using a modal verb: might, may, could, must
or cant.

1 Ryan is behaving very strangely. Im sure hes in love.

He must be in love.

2 Deborah is looking a bit tired. Perhaps shes working too hard.

She

3 He never goes on holiday. I dont suppose he earns that much

He

4 She is studying full time and she has a job in a restaurant. I imagine
thats very hard.
That

5 Thats definitely not her grandfather. Hes far too young.

That..

6 Hes just brought a new car and a yacht. He obviously sold his business
for a lot of money.
He

7 Andy and Sarah arent speaking to each other. I dont believe theyve
had another argument.
They ..

8 You seem very familiar. Perhaps weve met before.

.We

9 She says she doesnt wasnt to have children. Im sure she didnt have a
happy childhood.
She..

10 I dont know why she didnt tell me shes left her job. Its possible she
thought I would be angry.
She
B Cross out the incorrect modal in each sentence.

Psychologise believe that taking risks has always been part of human nature.
For early humans, risk taking (1) must/cant have been part of every day life.
Psychologists think that early human risk takers (2) may/cant have been more
likely to explore new places, possibly finding a new source of water or food.
Such individuals (3) cant/might also have risked doing things differently, such
as using a new kind of weapon or animal trap. These acts (4) must/mustnt
have given the risk taker a great sense of achievement, but (5) cant/could also
have profoundly benefited his or her group by improving their lives in some way.

C Complete the following sentences with a suitable form of can, could, be

able, may, might, must and the verb the verb in brackets. An example is
given.

1 I feel absolutely awful. I think I must have (have) flu.

2 Are you going to .. (come) to Charlies party next Saturday.

3 My word! It.(take) you ages to write all this. There must

be more than 2000 pages!

4 Which bus do you think you..(leave) your bag on ?

5 Its odd we havent received that cheque. They said that they had sent it.
Yes, I suppose it ..(get) lost in the post but I doubt it.

6 I .. (swim) really well when I was six years old.

7 Although she had a broken leg, she.(swim) to the shore.

8 You. (tell) me it was a formal party. I looked a real idiot in my

pullover and jeans.

9 Its not surprising.(not find) the house. You gave us the

wrong address.

10 I used to .(run) for miles. Now I .. (not even

run) down the street.

11 I wonder why Pam ignored me in the street this morning.

Well, she.(not realise) it was you. Shes as blind as a bat.

12 Smoking .(cause) all sorts of physical problems.

13 We (not be) more delighted when we heard the news.

Congratulations!