Modals of Speculation and Deduction

Modals of Speculation and Deduction

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to make speculations or deductions

• must

• might

• can't

must

• to say that we are sure something is true

• Covid must be very contagious.

• He must be very angry. His face is red!

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Covid

be very contagious. Everyone is wearing masks.

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He must

very angry! His face is all red!

to say we think something is true but we're not sure

• He might be tired. I don't know.

• She may be bored. I can't tell.

• He could be angry at me. I haven't talked to him.

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Marcos

be related to Angel. They have the same last name.

to say that we are sure something is not true

• He can't have gone far. He didn't take his phone with him.

• He can't have forgotten about the exam. It's written in his agenda.

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Megan

be allergic to wheat because I've seen her eat pizza.

In the past we use

• must have + participle

• may have + participle

• might have + participle

• could have + participle

• can't have + participle

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Leila: I think I saw Megan in the supermarket yesterday.

Lynette: It

(be) her. She is in quarantine.

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Marcos: I feel sleepy.

Marcos's mom: You

(be) sleepy. You just woke up!

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Alba: I don't know where John and Lucía are.

Alvaro: They

be at home studying. I don't know for sure.

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César: Alba looks really stressed.

Jorge: She

be studying for her exams.

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Carla: I can't find my phone.

Alba: Let's talk to Paula. She

have seen it.

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María: Someone's knocking at the door.

Leila: It

be the other class. They wanted the other chromebook.

Multiple Choice

My feet ____ have grown because my shoes don't fit anymore.

• might

• must

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I can't find my phone anywhere. I must have

(leave) it at home.

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They're not answering the landline. They

be at home.

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They

have changed the date of the presentation. i'm not sure.

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There's a strange smell coming from the fridge. The milk

have gone sour.

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He

have failed the exam. His English is too good.

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My door is unlocked. I must have

(forget) to unlock it.