modal verbs of deduction present and past exercises pdf

We use can't have and couldn't have + past participle when we think it's not possible that something happened. Could have is also possible in this context but less common. Police think the suspect may have left the country using a fake passport. I think I might have left the air conditioning on. We can use might have or may have + past participle when we think it's possible that something happened. The door was locked and nothing was broken. Who told the newspapers about the prime minister's plans? It must have been someone close to him. We use must have + past participle when we feel sure about what happened. This page focuses on making deductions about the past. The modal verb we choose shows how certain we are about the possibility. We can use modal verbs for deduction – guessing if something is true using the available information. Modals – deduction (past): Grammar test 1 How did she fail that exam? She can't have studied very much. We don't know for sure that Alex broke the coffee table. Look at the pictures and try to remember the dialogues.Look at these examples to see how must, might, may, could, can't and couldn't are used in the past.Īn earthquake? That must have been terrifying! It looks like it's medium-rare, and I asked for a well-done steak. A There's only one way to find out! 4 A This steak _ _ _ _ _ be for me. B Well, don't be too confident because they _ _ _ _ _ be calling to say you didn't get t he job. I'm not surprised: I did a really good interview. A Ah, I know! It's t hat company who interviewed me last week. Do you want me to go and look for him? 3 A I have a missed call and I don't recognize t he number. A Any idea where he _ _ _ _ _ be? B He _ _ _ _ _ be talking to the boss or he _ _ _ _ _ be in t he photocopying room. 2 A Do you know where Charlie is? B Well, he be far away. B He _ _ _ _ _ _ have generous parents then. B He must have a lot of money then! A He's a student so he be t hat rich. 1 A That's the second laptop that Jack's bought this year.

B It 6 can I may be her new boyfriend-or her son! A Shall we go over and find out? G Complete tl1e dialogues 'vVith must, miBht, miBht not, or can't. They broke up years ago and haven't spoken to each other since.

can't I might not be her husband, can he? A No, he ' can't I might not be.

Someone can change a lot in five years! B You're right, it is Jane. A Well it 1 must I can't be five years since we last saw her. But if it is, she looks much thinner than she used to. B Mmm, I suppose it 2 can't I might be her. A Don't look now but isn't t hat Jane Marshall over there? B Where? A At that table by the window. 68 GRAMMAR modals of deduction: might I may, can't, must () Circl0the correct verb.

Modal verbs of deduction present and past exercises pdf