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Modals of Deduction
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Fri, 06/21/2013 - 07:23 — Chris McCarthy

 Grammar

 Vocabulary

We use modal verbs in a situation where we need some level of deduction which means
we say how sure we are about something.

Must
We use 'must' when we feel sure that something is true because we have some
information about the situation, we have strong evidence.
She must live close to where she works because she walks to work. (the speaker doesn’t
know where but is sure it is not far away)
You’ve been working in the garden all day. You must be tired.
Being a sky diving instructor must be very exciting.

(Must+infinitive without 'to')

 Might, may, could
We use 'might', 'may' and 'could' when we are not sure about something.
I don't like the sound of the engine. It could be a mechanical problem.
We might need to work through the night if we want to get this ready on time.
He may not like that shirt. I don’t think it's his style.
(might/may/could+infinitive without 'to')

Can't
We use 'can't' to show that we think something is not true.
It can’t be a mechanical problem. I've just taken the car to a mechanic.
They can't be very happy about working during the night.
(can't+infinitive without 'to')

'Must', 'might', 'may', 'could' and 'can't' have many more meanings and are used to talk
about different situations. Here we have looked at them used for a present deduction.

Modals for past deductions lesson

Lesson by Tristan, teacher at EC Malta English school

Now put the right modal for these situations:

 1) That ___ be Danny. He said he was going abroad this week.

Correct!

can't
must
might

 2) I'm leaving work now but I ___ be a little late if there's traffic on the road.
Correct!

must
can't
could

 3) Of course John isn't here today. He spent the whole night drinking. He ___ be
at home with a serious hangover.
Correct!

can't
may
must

 4) You ___ possibly be tired. You've just woken up.

Correct!

could
must
 can't

 5) You ___ know Peter because he went to the same school that we went to but
he is a few years younger than we are.
Correct!

can't
might
must

 6) I'm sorry, you ___ be confusing me with someone else, that's not my name.
Correct!

must
may
can't

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