B1+ Grammar guided practice cards: Modals of possibility and certainty

1. “I must / may / might send Clara our photos from her birthday party.
I promised her!” - said John.

Hint 1: Was John told to send the photos or did he decide to do it himself?
He decided to do it himself.
Hint 2: Which modal verb do we use when the speaker decides that
something is necessary, or needs to be done? Must.
Answer: must

2. He must / can’t have nished his homework yet. He’s just started it.

Hint 1: Are we almost sure that he hasn’t nished his homework? Yes.
Hint 2: Which modal verb do we use when we’re sure about something
happening in the past? Can’t have + past participle.
Answer: can’t

3. Tonny must / may go to the party tonight. He hasn't decided yet.

Hint 1: Are we sure that Tonny is going to go the party? No, but there is
a chance he’ll go.
Hint 2: Which modal verb do we use to talk about things that are likely to
happen in the future? May.
Answer: may

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B1+ Grammar guided practice cards: Modals of possibility and certainty

4. She can’t / may have left her phone at home. She never goes anywhere
without it.

Hint 1: Is it likely that she’s left her phone at home? No.

Answer: can’t

5. Dad, I’m starving! We can’t / might have some pizza left in the fridge.
You can check.

Hint 1: Does dad suggest looking for some pizza in the fridge? Yes.
Answer: might

6. Unfortunately, he can’t / mustn’t have won the race. He was injured and
couldn't participate.

Hint 1: Was it possible for him to take part in the race? No.
Hint 2: Which modal verb do we use to talk about things we’re sure didn’t
happen in the past? Can’t have + past participle.
Answer: can’t

Materiał do u ytku wewn trznego Early Stage

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B1+ Grammar guided practice cards: Modals of possibility and certainty

7. Jason, you must / may be tired after a long hike. Take a rest, I'll make
you some lemonade.

Hint 1: Is it logically very likely that he’s tired after the hike? Yes.
Answer: must

8. Hey, don’t panic! Listen, you must / can't have left your headphones at
school. I saw you holding them in your hand as you got on the bus.

Hint 1: Is it likely that she left the headphones at school? No.

Answer: can’t

9. You must / might be kidding! I’ve spent the whole night on this project
and now you’re telling me it’s a prank. No way!

Hint 1: Which modal verb do we use when we are very sure about
something, and there's no doubt in our mind? Must.
Answer: must

Materiał do u ytku wewn trznego Early Stage

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B1+ Grammar guided practice cards: Modals of possibility and certainty

10. They can’t / must have sold all these trainers. I saw they were still
available to order on their website!

Hint 1: Is there any chance of buying trainers? Yes.

Answer: can’t

11. They can’t / might have already left for the concert. They mentioned
going early.

Hint 1: Is it possible that they’ve already left for the concert? Yes.
Answer: might

12. They can’t / must be at the mall. I’ve just seen them upstairs near
McDonald's.

Hint 1: Are we talking about the impossibility or certainty of them being at

the mall? Certainty.
Answer: must

Materiał do u ytku wewn trznego Early Stage

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