Modal Verbs of

Deduction
Must, May / Might, Can’t
 Must
We use Must when we are sure something is true.

They must be out. There aren’t any lights on.

 May / Might
We use May/Might when we think something is
possible true.

His phone’s switched off. He might be on the

plane now.
 Can’t
We use Can’t when we are sure something is
impossible/not true.

He can’t be ill. I saw him at the gym.

 ACTIVITIES
I. MATCH THE SENTENCES
1) He must be over 70.
2) He can’t be at university.
3) He may not remember me.
4) He might like this book.
5) He must be very shy.
6) He can’t be serious.
7) He may be in bed already.
8) He might not be at home
yet.
9) He must have a computer.
10) He can’t be a good
footballer.
a) He hasn’t seen me for
ages.
b) He sometimes sends me
emails.
c) He must be joking.
d) He’s interested in history.
e) He sometimes works late.
f) He gets up very early.
g) He’s only 16.
h) He’s not fit enough.
i) He retired 10 years ago.
j) He never opens his mouth.
II. COMPLETE THE SENTENCES WITH
THE CORRECT MODAL VERBS
🞆 1) I’m not sure where she is – she may / can’t be at college.
🞆 2) That must / might be his new girlfriend. I’m not sure.
🞆 3) Surely that isn’t the time already! It can’t / must be five
o’clock.
🞆 4) Carrie passed all her exams. She can’t / must be really
happy!
🞆 5) Have you looked on the table? The key must / might be
there.
🞆 6) It’s very cold in here – you must / can’t be freezing!
🞆 7) I think she can’t / may have a brother, but I don’t know
for sure.
 III. COMPLETE THE DIALOGUE
Paula: Hey, Dan, look at this. What do you think it is?
Dan: I don’t know. It 1) might / can’t be a coin of some kind.
Paula: Yes, do you think it 2) must / may be a Roman coin?
Dan: Roman? No, it 3) can’t / must be a Roman coin. The
Romans were never in this area.
Paula: But look at how thin the metal is. It 4) must / may be
very old!
Dan: Look. There’s some writing on it. I can’t read it very well. It
5) can’t / might be some ancient language.
Paula: How exciting! It 6) must / can’t be valuable if it’s old.
Dan: Wait a minute. I can read it now – it says... ‘Made in 2010’
Paula: Oh, no, it 7) may / must be modern after all!
 IV. COMPLETE WITH MIGHT (NOT), MUST OR
CAN’T.

🞆 1) This sauce is really spicy. It ________________ have chilli in

it.
🞆 2) I’m not sure why she hasn’t phoned. She ________________
have my new number.
🞆 3) He ________________ be away. His car is outside his house.
🞆 4) I ________________ be a size 44! I’m usually a 40 or 42.
🞆 5) A: What music is this?
B: I’m not sure but it ________________ be Mozart.
🞆 6) ‘Look, Rose left her bag here.’
‘It ________ be Rose’s – her bag is black.’
🞆 7) ‘I passed my driving test!’
‘Congratulations! You ________ be very happy.’
IV. COMPLETE WITH MIGHT (NOT), MUST
OR CAN’T.
🞆 8) ‘Where’s Richard?’
‘I don’t know. He ________ be in a meeting. Shall I look in
his diary?’
🞆 9) ‘I’ve just run 20km. I’m training for a marathon.’
‘Really? You ________ feel exhausted.’
🞆 10) ‘I thought you ________ like to borrow this book.’
‘Oh great, thanks. I was thinking about buying it.’
🞆 11) ‘You’re getting married? You ________ be serious!’
‘You’re right. I’m just joking.’
🞆 12) ‘Daisy and Martin are on holiday in New York this week.’
‘They ________ be. I’ve just seen Daisy in town.’