MODALS OF DEDUCTION

Modals – deduction : We use modal verbs to say

how sure we are about something.
must, might, could and can’t

1 must

We use must when we feel sure that something is

true because there’s very strong evidence.
E.g:
He must live near here because he comes
to work on foot. We don’t know where he lives but we’re
sure it’s not far away.

The missing square must be red

 Notice that must is followed by an
infinitive without ‘to’.

Must + infinitive without 'to

He must to live near here.. × Incorrect

He must live near here. Correct

2 might, could

We use might,or could to say that we think

something is possible but we’re not sure.

Did you hear that? I think there might be a

burglar downstairs.
She’s not sure there’s a burglar but she thinks it’s
possible.

Might, may and could are also followed by

an infinitive without ‘to’.
3 can’t / couldn’t

We use can’t when we feel sure something is

not true.

It can’t be a burglar. All the doors and windows

are locked. He doesn’t know it’s not a burglar
but he feels sure it’s not.

The answer couldn’t be right.

can't + infinitive without 'to

It can´t to be a bulglar. × Incorrect

It can’t be a bulglar. Correct

Must / could / might / can´t / couldn’t are followed
by be + a noun, an adjetive and –Ing verb

A noun, e,g., That must be David at the door

An adjective e.g,. You must be tired

-ING verb , e,g., Jenny couldn’t be flying to Lima.

 http://www.englishexercises.org/make
agame/viewgame.asp?id=2083

Ejercicios with modals of

deduction