Modal Verbs of Probability Explanations and Exercises

Listed below are examples and uses of modal verbs of probability. Modal verbs of probability are used to express
an opinion of the speaker based on information that the speaker has. Example: He must be at work; it's 10
o'clock. In this case, the speaker is 100 % sure that the person is at work based on the speaker's knowledge that
the person in question usually works at during the day.

Examples Usage
They must be in
Spain by now. Use 'must' plus the verb when you are
She must have 100% (or almost 100%) sure that
done well on the something is the case.
test.
She might come
this evening.

David may invite Use 'might' or 'may' to express an

Jesica to the opinion that you think has a good
match. possibility of being true.

Jack might have

gone to France.
Jane could be at Use 'could' to express a possibility which
work. is one of many. This form is not as
Peter could have strong as 'might' or 'may'. It is just one
arrived late. of a number of possibilities.
You can't be
Use 'can't' to express an opinion that
serious!
you are 100% sure is NOT true.
They can't have
Notice that the past form remains 'can't
worked until
have done'
late.

Structure
In the present: Subject + Modal + Base
Form + Objects
must be
I
You might be
He, She at work.
We could be
They
can't be

In the past: Subject + Modal + Perfect

Form + Objects
must have left
I
You might have left
He, She early.
We could have left
They
can't have left
 Modal Verbs of Probability Exercises

Use must, might, may, could or can't plus the correct form of the verb.

EXERCISE 1
1. Where is David? He _________________ (be) at school. Classes begin at 8.

2. She_________________ (think) that it is a good idea. It's crazy!

3. I'm absolutely sure! They _________________ (arrive) yesterday, I saw their ticket.

4. Are you joking! David _________________ (go) to Paris last week. He doesn't have
enough money.

5. They _________________ (live) in New York, but I'm not sure.

6. The concert _________________(be) wonderful last night. Fiore is a great conductor.

7. John _______________________ (be) at work, or perhaps hes at the gym or even

the pub!

8. Jane _______________________ (leave) the party with John last night, but Im not
sure.

EXERCISE 2

Rewrite these sentences using must or cant.

1. Im sure shes at home.

2. Im certain youre crazy.

3. I know that isnt Janet shes in the USA.

4. Im sure she thinks Im stupid.

5. I bet I look silly in this coat.

6. Theyre always buying new cars Im certain they make a lot of money.

KEY TO EXERCISE 1
1. must be 2. cant think 3. must have arrived 4. cant have gone 5. might live 6. must
have been 7. could be 8. may/might have left
KEY TO EXERCISE 2
1. She must be at home. 2. You must be crazy. 3. That cant be Janet. 4. She must think
Im stupid. 5. I must look silly in this coat. 6. They must make a lot of money.