Modals of deduction: possibility, probability and certainty

Modals of possibility, probability and certainty in the present​.

How sure are you?​

Modals of deduction

​Certainty (90-100%)

​I'm sure it's true.

• He must be a scientist.

• He must be trying to fix something.

Possibility (40%) or Probability (60%)

Perhaps it's true.​

• He can / might / may be dressed like that for a costumes party.

• He should know what he's doing.

Impossible (0%)

I'm sure it's NOT true.​

• He can´t be a bodybuilder because he is very thin and they have strong muscles.

Are you ready?

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Let's practice!

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Multiple Choice

It ______ be a spider; it’s only got six legs.

• must

• can't

• might

Multiple Choice

Oliver _____ really love that film. He has seen it ten times.

• can

• may

• must

Multiple Choice

Jo ______ travel a lot. Her passport’s full of visa stamps.

• might

• must

• may

Multiple Choice

You ___ be tired. You've just woken up and you slept about 10 hours.

• mustn't

• can't

• mightn't

Multiple Choice

Their shop is easy to locate. It’s right around the corner.  She _____ miss it!

• might

• can't

• must

Multiple Choice

There are some dark clouds in the sky. It ...... rain later.

• must

• can't

• may

Multiple Choice

He ... like that shirt. I don’t think it's his style.

• may not

• must

• can't

Reorder

Reorder the following

• She

• might

• be

• at the cinema.

1

2

3

4

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4

Reorder

Reorder the following

• Mum

• should

• come home

• in a few minutes.

1

2

3

4

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4

Reorder

Reorder the following

• Living in Antarctica

• must

• be

• difficult.

1

2

3

4

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4

Reorder

Reorder the following

• Sarah

• must be

• flying

• to Australia

• now.

1

2

3

4

5

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5