Modal verbs. Logical assumptions

Modal verbs. Logical assumptions

Stefania Manea, Colegiul National "Mihai Eminescu", Petrosani, Hunedoara

Today's lesson will focus on using modal verbs for logical assumption.

To express positive logical assumptions, we use: MUST = I’m sure/ certain that sth. is true;

e.g. It’s Sunday. He must be at home. (= I’m sure he’s at home.)

To express negative logical assumptions, we use CAN’T/ COULDN’T (= I’m sure/ certain that sth. isn’t true)

e.g. It’s Sunday. He can’t/ couldn’t be at work. (= I’m sure he’s not at work.)

Present logical assumptions

• MUST + PRESENT SIMPLE INFINITIVE

              PRESENT CONTINUOUS INFINITIVE

• CAN’T/ COULDN’T + PRESENT SIMPLE INFINITIVE

                                    PRESENT CONTINUOUS INFINITIVE

Past logical assumptions

• MUST + PERFECT SIMPLE INFINITIVE

               PERFECT CONTINUOUS INFINITIVE

• CAN’T/ COULDN’T + PERFECT SIMPLE INFINITIVE

                                     PERFECT CONTINUOUS INFINITIVE

PRACTICE

Multiple Choice

I'm sure he has given up smoking. HAVE

• He must give up smoking

• He must have given up smoking.

• He must have give up smoking.

Multiple Choice

I'm sure he isn't feeling sick now. BE

• He can't feel sick now.

• He can't be feeling sick now.

• He mustn't be feeling sick now.

Multiple Choice

I'm sure she called the police. HAVE

• She must call the police.

• She must have called the police.

• She must have to call the police.

Multiple Choice

I'm sure he hadn't prepared his speech. HAVE

• He couldn't have prepared his speech.

• He can't prepare his speech.

• He can't had prepared his speech.

Multiple Choice

I'm certain it has stopped snowing now. HAVE

• It must has stopped snowing now.

• It must have stopped snowing now.

• It must stop snowing now.