LESSON
GRAMMAR
Modals of possibility and conclusion
STUDY
Modals of Possibility and Conclusion
They
may
have a problem.
She
may not
know how to solve the problem.
Karen
might
want to talk to the dean.
The dean
might not
want to talk to Karen.
She
could
be at a different meeting.
It
couldn’t
be a very important meeting.
Arnold
must
work with Ben and Rochelle. Karen
must not
be happy about the gossip.
She
can’t
be at lunch. It’s too early.
Maybe
has the same meaning as
could
,
might
, and
may
, but it is
not a modal.
(
Maybe
it’s something personal.)
Grammar Note
PRACTICE
A
Circle the correct modals.
1.
Ben and Rochelle have worked together for three years. They
might /can’t
be friends.
2.
Ben got four hours of sleep last night. He
must / might not
be tired.
3.
Karen knows Rochelle was talking about her. She
couldn’t / may
be annoyed.
4.
Ben is trying to ignore Rochelle. He
must / must not
want to hear the gossip.
5.
Rochelle spends a lot of time at work chatting. She
could / must not
be very busy.
6.
I saw Ben playing tennis this morning. He
must / can’t
be out sick today.
B
Read the conversations. Rewrite the underlined sentences.
Use the words in parentheses.
1. A:
Can you hear them yelling in the meeting?
B:
Yes, I can! I think they’re angry. (must)
They must be angry.
2. A:
The secretary isn’t answering the phone.
B:
She’s probably at lunch. (might)
3. A:
Look at Karen. She’s frowning at her email.
B:
I’m pretty sure she doesn’t like what it says. (must not)
4. A:
Rochelle is already back from the meeting.
B:
That’s impossible! I don’t believe she’s back already! (can’t)
5. A:
Did you see that guy who looks like Ben?
B:
Maybe he’s Ben’s brother. (could)
PAIRS
Write 4 situations. Then meet with another pair.
Take turns drawing conclusions about each other’s situations.
A very large package is delivered to our classroom. Our teacher can’t lift it.
It must be heavy. It might be a new desk.
WHAT ABOUT YOU?
5
UNIT 7
95
