Learn about using modals of deduction.

Practice 1: using must, might and can't for deduction

Choose one word to complete each sentence - must, might or can't

  1. Sarah never stops talking about Steve. She be in love with him!
  2. You hate English food - it's delicious!
  3. Tom be working today - I just saw him at the gym.
  4. Tom be working today, but I can't remember.
  5. You drank 3 bottles of wine? You feel so sick!
  6. Yuki's quite good at grammar. She know the answer to this question.
  7. You studied this for 3 years at university! You know the answer!
  8. You just slept for 12 hours! You be tired again already!
  9. She always gets me a present, but this year she didn't. She have forgotten that it's my birthday.

Practice 2: deduction in the past and present

Choose the best words to complete these sentences. Decide if it is a present state (simple), an action in progress (continuous) or finished (perfect).

  1. The boys look so sad. They must  the football match yesterday.
  2. The music next door is so loud! They must  a party.
  3. She just said she didn't want any wine. She must  pregnant.
  4. His bedroom light is still on. He might  a book.
  5. Andrew's good friends with Gemma. He might  her phone number.
  6. Why did you tell him the truth? You must  that he didn't want to hear it.
  7. Dave's got a new car. He must  a pay rise at work.
  8. That girl looks bored. She might  for someone.