Modal verbs of deduction

Modal verbs of deduction (present)

Lesson aims:

• You know what modal verbs of deduction​ are.

• You know how to use modal verbs of deduction​.

Modal verbs of deduction

Fill in the Blank

Choose a modal verb of deduction:

He ___ be hungry, I just fed him.

Fill in the Blank

Choose a modal verb of deduction:

They ___ be scared, he looks terrified!

Fill in the Blank

Choose a modal verb of deduction:

I don't know what he's like, he ___ be very nice.

What are the modal verbs of deduction?

​Must, may, might, could and can't

We can use modal verbs of deduction to express how sure we are about something happening in the present or the future.​

Modal verbs of deduction (present)

Must

​We use must when we feel sure about something because there is some kind of evidence.

​You have been working all day. You must be very tired.

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Come inside and get warm you must be freezing out there.

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Modal verbs of deduction (present)

Can't

​We use can't when we feel sure somehing is not true.

​You have been sleeping all day. You can't be tired.

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They can't be poor because they have an incredible house and four cars. 

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Modal verbs of deduction (present)

May, might, could

We use may, might and could when are not sure about something, but we think it is possible.

She might go to the party tomorrow if you ask her. 

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Peter could be at the library. He said he was going to go one of these days.

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They may win the match. They are quite good.​

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Modal verbs of deduction (present)

​Form

​Subject + modal verb of deduction + Bare infinitive

​It must be the postman.

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​Subject + modal verb of deduction + be + verb-ing

​She might be having a bath.

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Modal verbs of deduction

Multiple Choice

I can’t remember what Jason does at university. He ___ study geography.

• Might

• Must

• should

Fill in the Blank

My purse isn’t in my pocket. It ___ be in my pocket.

Fill in the Blank

‘is that Mr Tanaka?’

No, that ___ be him. Mr Tanaka wears glasses.

Multiple Select

Which sentence means:

Maybe talking to Ian will help you solve the problem.

•  Talking to Ian could help. 

• Talking to Ian must help.

• Talking to Ian might help.  

•  Talking to Ian can’t help. 

• Talking to Ian may help.

Fill in the Blank

My passport ___ be in that drawer. I’ve already looked there three time.

Fill in the Blank

I saw you put your keys in your pocket. They ___ be in there!

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I am not sure who has the report. Philippa _____ (have) the report.