Exercise 1
Choose the correct modal verbs of deduction for each gap below.
“Past modals” or “modals of lost opportunity” are used to imagine that the past was different. (Image: Photokanok, FreeDigitalPhotos.net ) Should have, could have, and would have are sometimes called “modals of lost opportunity” because they describe situations when we are imagining that the past was different. Ted's flight from Amsterdam took more than 11 hours. Tom clancy's splinter cell conviction. He be exhausted after such a long flight. He prefer to stay in tonight and get some rest. If you want to get a better feeling for how the city is laid out, you walk downtown and explore the waterfront. Could have should have would have. Past modals exercise. Could have, should have, would have Exercise 1. See all the modal verbs exercises here. Modals in the present and past. Grammar Lessons Vocabulary Lessons Speaking Lessons Reading Lessons Writing Lessons Listening Lessons Exercises and Quizzes.
Modal verbs of deduction – summary chart
may, might
We use may and might to talk about things that are possibly true, but we don’t know for sure.
- He’s more than 2 meters tall. He might be a basketball player. (=perhaps he is)
- He says Betty is his friend, but I think she may be his girlfriend.
We use may not or might not to talk about things that are possibly not true, but we don’t know for sure.
- You should call her. She might not know where you are. (=perhaps she doesn’t know)
can
We don’t use can as a modal of deduction.
- He might/may be at home now. (NOT
He can be at home now)
must, can’t
Past Modals Exercises Agenda Web
We use must when we are sure, or quite sure, that something is true.
- You must be tired after the long journey. (=I’m sure you are tired)
- I’m sure I had the keys when I left. They must be in the car.
But we use can’t (NOT mustn’t) when we are sure, or quite sure, that something is not true.
- We’ve been walking for hours. It can’t be far from here. (NOT
It mustn’t be far) - They’ve lived here only for a couple of months. They can’t know many people.
+ be -ing
After may, might, must or can’t we can use be + -ing, when we are talking about actions in progress.
Perfect Modals Exercises Pdf
- They’ve gone to Ibiza, and right now they must be having a great time.
- Call him. He might be waiting for us.