UI2_L09

Complete the following sentence with the correct option.

Nobody knows exactly why he died. But we think it _____ been an accident.

• can have

• might have

• should have

Answer explanation

We can use might/may have + past participle to talk about something that perhaps happened or was true.

Can is not used as a modal verb of deduction.

Find more information about modal verbs on pages 173-174 of your coursebook.

Complete the following sentence with the correct option.

Sarah didn't look happy. She _____ her exam!

• must have passed

• can't have passed

• shouldn't have passed

Answer explanation

We can use can't have + past participle to say that we are quite sure that something was not true or did not happen in the past.

She can't have passed her exam. = She must have failed her exam.

Find more information about modal verbs on pages 173-174 of your coursebook.

Complete the following sentence with the correct option.

I don't know where the kids went but they _____ to the club. I'm not sure.

• must have gone

• might have gone

• can have gone

Answer explanation

We can use could/might/may have + past participle to talk about something that probably happened or was true.

They might have gone to the club. = Maybe they went to the club.

Find more information about modal verbs on pages 173-174 of your coursebook.

Complete the following sentence with the correct option.

The glass was broken, so the thieves _____ got in through that window. It's the only logical explanation.

• must have

• might have

• should have

Answer explanation

We can use must have + past participle to say that we are quite sure that something was true or happened in the past.

The thieves must have got in through that window. = I'm quite sure the thieves got in through that window.

Find more information about modal verbs on pages 173-174 of your coursebook.

Complete the following sentence with the correct option.

Paul is very sad today. I think he and his wife _____ again.

• can't fight

• might be fighting

• can be fighting

Answer explanation

We use the continuous form (be doing) after a modal verb to talk about actions in progress.

He and his wife might be fighting again. = Maybe they are fighting again.

Find more information about modal verbs on pages 173-174 of your coursebook.

Which option DOES NOT complete the following sentence?

I think there _____ a problem with your test results. You should talk to someone about that.

• might be

• may be

• can't be

Answer explanation

We can use could, might or may to say that we think something is possible but we’re not sure.

There could/might/may be a mistake. = Maybe there is a mistake.

Find more information about modal verbs on pages 173-174 of your coursebook.

Complete the following sentence with the correct option.

If Susan said that, it _____ true. She never lies.

• might be

• must be

• can be

Answer explanation

It must be true. = I'm sure it is true.

Remember that you don't use can as a modal verb of deduction.

Find more information about modal verbs on pages 173-174 of your coursebook.

Complete the following sentence with the correct option.

They _____ brothers! They look completely different!

• might be

• can't be

• must not be

Answer explanation

When we are sure something is not true, we use can’t.

They can't be brothers. = I'm convinced they are not brothers.

We don't use must not to talk about probability.

Find more information about modal verbs on pages 173-174 of your coursebook.