Intermediate

Modals of Deduction
Look at the picture.
What is it?
What is it not?

Its a man.
Its not a woman.
These things are facts. What do I do if its not a fact?
Can I say Hes a doctor or Hes not a criminal?
Why? Why not?

MEANING:
Think about this example - The man is on the street. He is singing
and looks like he is going to fall over. He smells like beer.
People on the street say:
He
He
He
He
He

must be drunk.
might be very happy.
could be an alcoholic.
may be celebrating.
cant be a pop-star.

Which one means I believe this is true?

Which one means I believe its not true?
Put the words in BOLD on the line - decide which means more
certain and which means less certain.

Certain its true

Certain its not true

Intermediate
Modals of Deduction
PRONUNCIATION:
What happens to the /t/ sound in must and cant in these phrases?
Harrison Ford is very old. He must be at least 70.
John is on holidays. That cant be him at the door.
FORM:
What kind of verbs are must / can / could / may / might ?

What kind of verb comes after them?

What is the negative form of:

Must

Might

May

Could

_______

_______

_______

_______

PRACTICE:
Write the underlined words in the sentences using must / can /
could / might / may :
1. Theres a knock at the door. Im certain its John.
2. Take an umbrella. Its possible it will rain later.
3. Shes only twenty-five. Im sure she doesnt have five
children.
4. John needs to work late. Its possible he wont come to the
party.