Modals of probability

Tec English 5

Modals of probability

September 21st

Must, may, might

Look at the picture, and select the best option that completes the sentence.

Multiple Choice

The lights are off, so...

• my neighbours must be out.

• my neighbours can't be out.

Multiple Choice

The lights are on, so...

• my neightbours must be out. They went to eat out.

• my neighbours can't be out - they're in.

Modals of probabilty

We use them to express how sure we are about facts in life.

-The exam must be very difficult! We checked a lot of information.

-Today it might rain, too. Yesterday it was very cold and rainy.

-1st semester can't be too difficult! The teachers are going to be very comprehensive.

Must

(You are sure something is almost true)

• The neighbors must be out. There aren’t any lights on in the house.

• Your sister must have a lot of money if she drives a Porsche.

Might / May (not)

(You think something is possibly true)

• Tony’s phone is turned off. He might/may be on the plane now, or just boarding.

• I’m surprised that Ted isn’t here. He may/might not know that the meeting is today.

Can't

(You are sure something is impossible / not true)

*Be careful - we don't use it for permission or ability

• Brandon can’t earn much money at his job. He’s still living with his parents.

• That woman can’t be Jack’s wife. Jack’s wife has dark hair.

Quiz time!

Complete with must, might / may (not), or can’t.

• A What does Pete’s new girlfriend do?

• B I’m not sure, but she ______ be a model.

  She’s very pretty.

• might / may

Multiple Choice

Complete with must, might / may (not), or can’t.

A Did you know that Andy’s parents have split up?

B Poor Andy. He________feel very happy about that.

• can't

• must

• may

Multiple Choice

Complete with must, might / may (not), or can’t.

A Are your neighbors away? All the windows are closed.

B I’m not sure. I suppose they ____ be on vacation.

• must

• might

• can't

Homework

• Take a screenshot of the following picture

• In your notebook, write ONLY the answers.

• Tomorrow we will check the exercise.

Be careful!

• When we finish the lesson, please take a screenshot of your result.

• Then, register it in the Google sheets document