G|&V for First - Modals 3 | Baamboozle - Baamboozle

English 24 Public

Modals of ability, deduction, certainty & possibility, expectations

Study Slideshow

What modal(s) do we use to show ability?

can, be able to

How do we express an ability in the past?

could, was/were able to

When we are sure that something is true, which modal(s) do we use?

must (= sure something is true), can't/couldn't (sure something is not true)

Which modal(s) do we use to talk about possibility?

may (not), might (not), could (not)

The cake was eaten during the night but everyone was asleep upstairs except the dog. Make a deduction about what happened to the cake.

The dog must've eaten it. The people can't have eaten it because they were asleep upstairs.

Make a deduction about what this is.

It could be ... It must be ... It can't be ... etc.

Make a deduction about what this is.

It could be ... It must be ... It can't be ... etc.

Make a deduction about what this is.

It could be ... It must be ... It can't be ... etc.

This coat _____ be Jason's, it's too small.

can't

This letter _____ be from Aunt Caroline, it's written in her handwriting.

must

Those girls look similar. They _____ be sisters, or perhaps they're cousins.

might/may/could

You _____ try calling Alex to see where he is. But he _____ answer if he's busy.

could (suggestion) / might not (possibility, possibly not true)

If we sell our current house, we'll _________ buy a new one.

be able to

She hopes to ________ study abroad next year.

be able to

Eleanor _____ speak 3 languages.

can / is able to

I'm really sorry but I _____ stay for lunch - how ______ we reschedule for next week?

can't (ability) / about (suggestion)